Newsletter - Keeping Up With Callie 02/02/2026 |
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Hi John,
This past week, the eyes of the country were on Minneapolis, where an ICU Veterans Affairs nurse, Alex Pretti, was shot and killed by federal agents acting under the direction of Homeland Security. Read my statement by clicking here. With heavy hearts, communities in Michigan's First Congressional District stood in solidarity, in freezing temperatures, with our brothers and sisters in Minneapolis sharing messages of support, love, and fortitude for the days ahead.
The show of support reminds us that we are not alone — that this fight for each other, our communities, and this country is alive and well.
It is in moments of grief that we lean on each other, our resolve is strengthened, and we see so clearly that we aren't done yet. This may not be the America we recognize, but we can be. |
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Issue Spotlight: Our Constitutional Rights |
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Congressional representatives are sworn to defend the Constitution, not defer to agencies or folks in positions of power that break it. That means real oversight, independent investigations, and consequences when constitutional rights are violated. The moment the Constitution stops applying to all of us is the moment it stops meaning anything.
And why does that matter? The Constitution protects us; it is the foundation from which we even have the opportunity to fight for an affordable LIFE. The First Amendment protects free speech, peaceful protest, and a free press — we don't have this when people are intimidated, harassed, threatened, and/or harmed for speaking out.
The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms. We don't lose that right by exercising other rights (like free speech). When the federal government justifies killing a man because he was legally carrying at a protest, that right is violated.
The Fourth Amendment gives "people [the right] to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures." This means federal agents cannot simply break into people's homes without a judicial warrant.
The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee due process — no one shall be "deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law." This includes both US citizens and non-citizens. When enforcement actions bypass courts, ignore judicial oversight, and result in people being detained or killed without accountability, the rule of law is not being enforced — it is being violated.
Upholding the Constitution is not partisan; it is the job. |
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Showing up matters, not just in protecting the Constitution, but also in engaging with our community. I attended the Northern Michigan Policy Conference in Traverse City, where I heard about housing affordability, rising energy costs, workforce recruitment, the burden of healthcare expenses, and how folks and small businesses are working to problem-solve and address these issues. Congressman Bergman was scheduled to speak on a panel regarding issues impacting Northern and Upper Michigan. Instead, we got an empty chair.
Listening and working together is the only way we can tackle the issues facing our region. Know this — I'm ready to fill that seat! |
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I spoke with Dani Cook about the economic inequality we face due to policy choices and the difference between nationalism and patriotism. Click the buttons to watch clips of our interview.
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| This week, we’re giving a huge thank you to our amazing Field Captain, Kate Lindsay of Cheboygan County!
Kate is the Director of Straits Area for Fairness and Equality (SAFE), and she has an incredible talent for bringing people together and turning concern into action. She’s been collecting petition signatures, organizing volunteers, and having meaningful conversations throughout the community.
Kate told us, "My favorite part of fighting to get this wonderful, capable, intelligent, ready-to-work candidate elected to Congress is when we get to take the time to connect and just be reminded Callie is one of us: a friend, a wife, a mom, a daughter, a regular person!” Thank you, Kate, for your perseverance, leadership, and dedication to making a real difference! |
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Take five minutes to share your story with us by filling out your story submission form. We want to know what YOU are passionate about. What’s an important issue in your community that we should know about?
Reach out to [email protected] if you want to join our communications team. We want to hear from everyone, and we can do that with your support. |
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People like you power this campaign: |
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Donate: Campaign contributions directly impact our campaign's success, and we need your help. Donations are used to power the essentials of reaching voters - like printing literature, running ads, supporting staff, and keeping events and outreach efforts strong across the district. |
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Volunteer: Volunteering supports our campaign by building people-centered change. Expanding outreach, strengthening community connections, and showing voters that this movement is driven by neighbors, not corporations. |
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Host an Event: We are currently looking for supporters who are willing to host an event for me. We need to set up more fundraisers and meet-and-greets across the state, and we cannot do it without you! |
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Campaign Store: Want some Callie Barr swag? Go to our campaign store and buy our merch! Your purchase helps fund our campaign, and you get some great apparel. |
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Thank you for believing in this campaign and the future we’re building together. I'll see you on the road! |
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