From the start, this team has been trying to do things differently.
Our work together is dedicated to the idea that there is no limit to what the American people can accomplish -- and we set out to support leaders who embody that spirit.
One way we live up to that ideal is to ask for your direct involvement in deciding who we should work to elect.
Last year, thousands of you made recommendations, and every candidate we supported was suggested by a member of this community. And almost all of them won their races and now hold elected office.
So, a few weeks ago, I asked for a new set of recommendations -- for the candidates we should support in 2018. And you showed up.
We heard from even more of you, and today, we're ready to introduce our first slate of candidates for this election. Again, I'm proud to say that every single name was recommended by someone on this team.
Take a look at the slate -- and then chip in to help support these great folks.
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Senator Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin
Suggested by: Donald, Waukesha, WI
When Tammy Baldwin won her campaign in 2012, she became the first woman to represent Wisconsin in the Senate, and the first openly gay Senator in American history. She's a champion for the middle class, fighting to keep millionaires and billionaires from paying lower tax rates than teachers, nurses, and factory workers. She's worked to make higher education more affordable. She's worked to boost manufacturing jobs. If we send her back to the Senate, she'll keep working to make a difference in the lives of working families.
Chrissy Houlahan, US Congress (PA-6)
Suggested by: Sara, Philadelphia, PA
Chrissy Houlahan is an Air Force veteran who put herself through school on an ROTC scholarship, then earned a masters at MIT. She's a former educator, who taught chemistry in North Philadelphia. She's an entrepreneur who has helped create hundreds of jobs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. She's a community leader who has helped to launch nonprofits -- and organized a local contingent to attend the Women's March. She's running in a district that Hillary Clinton carried in 2016.
Andy Kim, US Congress (NJ-3)
Suggested by: Kate, Medford, NJ
Andy Kim was born and raised in New Jersey's Third Congressional District. He's the son of immigrants and a former Rhodes Scholar. He became a diplomat at the State Department, where he worked to secure critical international alliances. He served as an advisor to Generals David Petraeus and John Allen in Afghanistan. In the Obama-Biden White House, he was the director for Iraq at the National Security Council. In Congress, he'll bring a lifelong commitment to public service and a deep understanding of foreign policy and our military.
Representative Stephanie Murphy (FL-7)
Suggested by: Susan, Seminole, FL
Rep. Stephanie Murphy was first elected in 2016, after knocking off a 23-year Republican incumbent. When she took the oath of office, she became the first Vietnamese-American woman to serve in Congress. Her parents were refugees who fled communist Vietnam when she was just six months old -- and were rescued by the US Navy. After September 11, 2001, she left her job as a business consultant to work at the Department of Defense as a national security specialist. She decided to run for office after the Pulse night club shooting, and she's a leader in the fight to reduce gun violence.
Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)
Suggested by: Connie, Montclair, NJ
Mikie Sherrill is a graduate of the US Naval Academy who became a pilot and flew missions throughout Europe and the Middle East. She went to law school, worked in private practice, then became an Assistant U.S. Attorney. She's a mother of four, who coaches her daughter's lacrosse team and manages her son's soccer team. Mikie has always stood up for our country and our values, and she'll do the same in Congress.
Senator Jon Tester, Montana
Suggested by: Jean, Billings, MT
Jon Tester is a third-generation Montana farmer and a former school teacher, who was first elected to the Senate in 2006. He's an outspoken defender of Medicare and Social Security, and he's an advocate for public education. More than anything, Jon is a guy who gets things done. Even in this polarized climate, two bills Jon wrote to support veterans were signed into law last year: the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act and the Veterans Choice Improvement Act.
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I couldn't be prouder to stand alongside this incredible group of leaders.
And given the number of races on the ballot in November, I also want to be clear that this is only the first announcement like this -- we'll be sharing future slates of candidates soon.
Sending these folks to Washington is going to take a lot of hard work, so I'm counting on you to stand with me.
Chip in to help elect these candidates:
https://go.americanpossibilities.org/lets-win
Thanks,
Joe