I knew that we would mount a strong campaign when we launched, but what we have accomplished together has been beyond my greatest expectations. From the early polling that showed a clear pathway to victory, to the strong fundraising from thousands of donors all across our great country, to the endorsements from incredible people and organizations I have admired for years—we are entering 2020 with the wind at our backs.

The campaign is going so well that I have decided to resign from my position as middle school principal so I can campaign full-time in 2020. This was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.

The Cornerstone Academy for Social Action (CASA) is not just the place where I have served as principal for the last 10 years. CASA was born out of a vision for a new model for education that I developed in the early part of my career while serving as a teacher and guidance counselor. That vision focused on restorative justice, social-emotional learning, and truly providing children and families with all the types of supports they need to not just survive but thrive in the challenging world we live in. 

I wrote the proposal to the Department of Education, got it accepted, and founded CASA over 10 years ago. I have nurtured this school like one of my own children since that time and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished. The parents, teachers and I have done great work with CASA over the last 10 years, and this campaign is all about replicating that great work throughout the district and across the country.

When you work so closely with children and families from one of the most disenfranchised communities in America, you learn how bad policy has disastrous impacts on those who are already struggling the most. That is why I decided to run for Congress and why I know resigning my position to campaign full-time is the only way forward. 

This fight is just too important, so I’m all in for 2020.

I’m the first to admit that I cannot do this alone. Our campaign doesn’t accept any corporate PAC money and I have not spent years cultivating relationships with the wealthiest among us. So, I’m asking you to contribute to our campaign before tomorrow at midnight so we can reach our 2019 fundraising goal.

Thank you for having my back, and I promise we’ll make you proud each step of the way.

Jamaal Bowman