Hi John —

Last night, I had the tremendous honor of stepping onto the CNN stage for a prime time Town Hall with Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes and Republican Reps. Mike Lawler and Ryan Mackenzie.

While Republican leaders are urging their Members of Congress to run away from the American people and dodge in-person constituent events, I directly spoke with voters.

What I heard during the CNN Town Hall wasn’t unlike what I hear every day from Californians.

People are worried about their life savings plummet as a result of Trump’s pointless and arbitrary trade wars.

Others are concerned about the chaotic nature of DOGE and Elon Musk’s unruly role in this administration.

And millions are terrified about cuts to Social Security and Medicaid which Republicans seem eager to wave through as quickly as possible.

I promise that I will never, ever stop fighting for you. I will join with our California Strong Congressional delegation to oppose any reckless Trump policy that harms you or your family.

But showing up and taking the fight directly to a prime time CNN Town Hall means that I am now a target. I narrowly flipped my seat from red-to-blue in 2024 (thanks to you!) and so all Republican eyes will be on my district and on defeating me. That’s why I’m asking: Will you split a donation right now between my campaign and the California Democratic Party to ensure we can organize in my district and get our message out?

Thank you so much,

- Derek