Leran is Running

On July 4th, our country is turning 250 and four days later I'm turning 40. In this year of landmark birthdays I think it's time to get things in shape. This is also the year to achieve one of my goals. Friends, I want you to be among the first to know that in 2026, I am running...


...and biking....

...and swimming...


I'm doing a sprint triathlon on July 12th!


To be clear I am NOT running for office, but I'd love to introduce you to three people who are. If you feel moved to celebrate my birthday please throw some support their way.


Salaam Bhatti is running for Congress in Virginia 1st district. Salaam and I met as fellow anti-hunger advocates and he's the real deal. He grew up with immigrant parents supported by WIC and free school meals and then used his law degree to help low income people. He's led the charge to expand free school meals and SNAP in Virginia and then took his advocacy national at the Food Research & Action Center. He's also an expert at communicating with gifs, puns, humor, and humanity. He'd be a true champion for basic needs programs in Congress. Salaam recently turned 40 as well and had the audacity to promise he will continue to age.


Steven Leibowitz is running for State Representative in the Massachusetts 1st Barnstable district. He has been a long time supporter of anti-hunger efforts stemming from his own experiences and in honor of his late brother's advocacy. I'm excited to work with Steven to continue to deepen Massachusetts commitment to not addressing hunger, but solving it.


James Talarico is running US Senate in Texas. He's the only person on this list who I don't know, but a Democratic senator from Texas would be a wonderful birthday gift! And he has the strong support of some of my good friends and that's good enough for me.

 

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