Friend,
In a moment, I'm going to ask if you can donate to support my campaign, but first I wanted to tell you the story of how I lost my first two elections and why I decided to run for Congress in the first place.
I first ran for the California State Assembly in 1991, and I lost. Badly. I tried again in 1994, and got a little bit closer, but still, there are no prizes for second place in politics.
But I persisted. Why? Because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to serve my community, my state, and ultimately the nation, and I thought elected office was one way I could do that.
Flash forward to 1996, the third time was the charm and I was elected to the State Senate. I was able to pass bills to improve health care and education, help constituents get what they needed, and serve on committees that were actually doing something. It was a great job, and I loved it.
That's when my constituents encouraged me to challenge a Republican House incumbent in a district that had been represented by a Republican since the 1930s. I knew it wouldn't be an easy fight, and I would have to risk the Senate Seat I had won after long years of effort. But it was a fight that I felt compelled to take on, and the kind of marginal seat we needed to win if we were going to take back the House.
So I ran. And it wasn't easy, but against the odds, we won.
Today, the fight is different, and the stakes are higher. Back then, I might have to worry about an attack ad on the radio or tv. Now I have to contend with a President of the United States who tries to turn my name into a vulgarity on Twitter, or Fox News hosts attacking me day and night.
But none of this has dulled my desire to serve -- in fact it's made me all the more resolute. This is a time when America requires us all to do our part, to take a stand, and defend the values that this country is all about.
This week, Senator Lindsey Graham, when asked by a reporter about his unwavering support for the President, said "If you don’t want to get reelected, you’re in the wrong business." Respectfully, he has that wrong. As I often tell my constituents, the job of a member of Congress is not to get reelected. It's to do the right thing and still find a way to get reelected.
I’m grateful to be in a position to make a difference right now, when our democratic institutions need strong defenders. If you can help with my efforts, please consider making a donation of $5 or more before tomorrow’s fundraising deadline:
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
I didn't have email in 1991, but ultimately it's no different than making phone calls or knocking on doors or handing out leaflets, just like I did in my first race. And I'm incredibly grateful for all the support you've offered me up to this point.
Thanks for all you do,
Adam
