In this email I’m going to talk about my family, which is not something I do very often.

On the contrary, I’ve put in the work to make this campaign about the issues. About racial justice. About universal health care. About rebuilding an economy that works for everyone. About changing the politics and politicians who have left so many communities behind.

But Senator Markey has insisted on dragging my family into this race. From our debates, to snarky social media posts, to his fundraising emails and campaign ads.

He questions their integrity. Weaponizes their history. Appropriates their words.

So if he wants to talk about the Kennedy’s — I’ll talk about the Kennedy’s:

Above all else, here’s what my family taught me: A legacy is earned.

It is earned in the streets where Senator Markey does not walk. In the communities he does not visit. From the voices he does not hear. It is earned when the cameras turn off, and you stay behind. It is earned with the political courage he has not shown. The messy but necessary work he left for others to do.

That’s why I got into this race. Because I know you cannot help lead a battle that you do not show up for. And we deserve a Senator who will be more than a bystander in the fight for justice.

15 days.

— Joe