Jason,
Back in 2024, Leaders We Deserve helped elect Texas State Senator Molly Cook by 62 votes. That election was proof that the work we're doing really matters.
Recently in Houston, I ran into someone who reminded me how true that really is.
I've told this story before, but when I was out canvassing for Molly on Election Day in 2024, I knocked on the door of a 20-year-old named Kai who was completely skeptical. His first question: "Which corporations are funding her campaign?"
I was happy to tell him that the answer was none of them, because Leaders We Deserve only backs candidates who refuse contributions from corporate PACs.
When he learned that Molly was funded by grassroots supporters instead of corporations, his whole outlook changed. He went from suspicious to excited. He told me he had never voted in a primary before, but he decided to vote for Molly that day. I got his phone number for the campaign and texted him a few hours later to confirm he voted before the polls closed.
That night, when Molly won by only 62 votes, I remembered Kai and the other voters I'd met that day. Every single one of them made a difference in Molly's win.
Fast forward to a couple weeks ago in Houston: After spending the day knocking doors for our candidate Christian Menefee ahead of his primary election, I joined Molly Cook for an event. During my speech, I told the story about meeting Kai back in 2024 while knocking doors for Molly's primary race. And I almost couldn't believe it, but after my speech a young guy came over to me and I suddenly realized that Kai had been in the audience the whole time.
I was blown away, Jason. Seeing Kai that night meant he'd gone from a skeptical non-voter to someone who was at an off-year political event for his state senator.
He went from someone who had (rightfully) checked out of politics to someone who actually had a leader who spoke to him and gave him something to support.
If this doesn't prove our whole theory, I don't know what else does. Young people care deeply about our futures. But it's hard for us to have faith in the same old failed leaders who have allowed the status quo to hold us back for literal decades.
We're supporting bold young progressives who are inspiring young voters like Kai. That's the movement we're building with people like you who believe in this work.
If you're with us, pitch in $5 or anything you can now to power our fight.
Thank you for your support, Jason.
— David
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