“Nowadays, kids get up in the morning, and they think they see a member of Congress in the mirror — no experience, no leadership, no accountability.”
That dig was meant for Leaders We Deserve-endorsed candidate Patrick Roath, a 39 year old lawyer and father. And it came from Stephen Lynch, the incumbent he’s challenging in Massachusetts.
Condescending? Out of touch? Exactly what’s wrong with the Democratic Party? Check, check, check. ✅
Because here’s the thing. Stephen meant that as an insult, but young people should wake up everyday and see themselves reflected in members of Congress. They should feel empowered to not only participate in our democracy, but to lead it with their bold, fresh perspectives. That’s the entire point we’ve been making at Leaders We Deserve.
Stephen has been in Congress for almost 25 years. And throughout his tenure, he’s repeatedly failed young voters and working class families.
He voted against the Affordable Care Act — and he’s the last Democrat left in Congress to have done so. He backed the Laken Riley Act that helped expand the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign. And just a couple months ago, he mocked frustrated constituents when they called him out for his lukewarm resistance against Trump, telling them, “if you don’t like it, run for Congress.”
While Stephen was talking down to voters and the next generation of Democratic leaders, Patrick and I were walking the Freedom Trail with several dozen college students, showing them that democracy belongs to them, and there are candidates who actually want them in the room.
That’s who Patrick is. Not only does he have the experience, leadership, and accountability to make him a force in Congress, he also is a leader who listens, inspires, and treats young voters like they matter. That’s what it looks like to build a Democratic Party that people actually want to be a part of.
Voters are sick and tired of entitled politicians who act like they’re untouchable, especially in safe seats like this one. They’re ready for fearless progressive fighters like Patrick who are worthy of their trust and will offer them a bolder vision.
Thank you,
David Hogg
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