Hi John,
I’m Theresa Gillespie Isom. I’ve spent my life serving others as a nurse, educator, lifelong community advocate, and now as the newly elected State Senator in Mississippi.
For years, my district was shaped by racially gerrymandered maps that silenced Black voters like myself and my neighbors. When a federal court ruled those maps violated the Voting Rights Act, our community finally had a real chance to be heard — and I knew I wanted to step up and run for the open special election seat.
On Election Day, my neighbors showed up with determination. We won our race, flipped our seat, and ended the Republican supermajority in the State Senate for the first time in over a decade.
As I step into this new role, I’m carrying forward the commitment that has guided my entire career — improving schools, expanding access to good-paying jobs, strengthening healthcare, and ensuring every family has a voice in the decisions that shape their lives.
And I can say with confidence: Sister District’s support was invaluable in making this new chapter possible.
In just four weeks, Sister District’s grassroots network raised nearly $7,000 for my campaign and helped close a critical budget gap. This rapid-response funding meant we could run ads, hire a paid door-knocking team, and reach voters who are too often written off.
My election was a reminder of what can happen when communities are given a fair chance and the support they deserve. I want other candidates — especially in red states like Mississippi — to have that same opportunity.
Sister District is one of the few organizations investing in these fights, showing up early, and dedicating time and resources to candidates like me. But they need support to keep doing this work.
That’s why I’m asking you to make an end-of-year gift to Sister District. Your support will help them stay in these races, stand with more candidates, and build the political power our communities have long been denied.
