Rooted in Resilience

I didn’t take the usual path to Congress. I wasn’t handpicked by party insiders, shaped by Washington consultants, or carefully designed based on the latest polling. No, my commitment to public service was built over generations—rooted in resilience, perseverance, and an unshakable belief in a better future.

My parents and grandparents didn’t have that same choice. During World War II, they were sent to Japanese American internment camps, stripped of their rights, and forced to rebuild from nothing—all because of racist, fear-driven policies.

Even after being treated as second-class citizens, they never gave up on this country. They taught me that loving America means fighting to make it live up to its promise.

That lesson shaped my entire life. It’s why I spent 20 years as a public school teacher. It’s why I ran for Congress—despite the bigotry I faced when my Republican opponent forcibly outed me in 1994. And it’s why I’m still fighting today.

Because now, we’re facing a new wave of extremism. The MAGA Majority in the House isn’t just attacking immigrants, LGBTQ+ Americans, and women’s rights—they’re openly scheming to cut Social Security, the lifeline millions of seniors rely on. They want to dismantle decades of progress, and if we don’t stop them, they just might succeed.

We cannot let that happen. The only way to stop MAGA’s dangerous agenda is to narrow their majority in the House and flip key seats. If we sit on the sidelines, they win. But if we fight together, we can stop them. So I’m counting on you – will you chip in $7 today to help elect Democrats and protect our future? »

Thank you,

Mark Takano