This Labor Day, I’m filled with gratitude.

Because it’s more than just a holiday to me. It’s a powerful reminder of the vital role that workers and unions hold in our society.

And I’m so grateful for all those who came before me and advocated for workers’ rights, safer conditions, better wages, and a higher standard of living.

I’m a third-generation union member, and unions helped build our family’s future. My grandmother was a union garment worker, my dad was in the Writers Guild, and I’m a card-carrying member of AAUP.

My family instilled in me the importance of fighting for fairness, economic justice, and prosperity for all.

I have memories of my dad organizing newsrooms and getting ready to talk on a picket line. But I also have memories of my mom, a nurse, who wasn’t represented by a union and desperately needed someone to have her back at work.

During my time as a House Minority Leader, I was always on the frontlines fighting for workers, whether it was standing strong on the picket line or pushing for progress on the House floor.

But I know that we still have a lot of work to do. That’s why I’m running for Congress in Iowa’s 3rd District – to fight for working families, protect our right to unionize, and ensure that every Iowan has a fair shot at their own version of the American dream.

And I’m grateful to have you on my team.

This is a campaign by and for working people. Together, I know that we can make real change for everyday Iowans and workers all across the country.

So thank you for your ongoing support.

I hope you take this day to reflect and recharge. Because tomorrow, we get back to work.

Jennifer Konfrst