Who we support as the next U.S. Senator for New Jersey has the power to impart
serious social consequences to our lives and the lives within our sister states that also need
our support in Congress. I am supporting Andy Kim for U.S. Senate and here are my
reasons for doing so.
I speak from the lens of a grassroots, democratic, black, female, mayor who was not supported by my local Democratic Party in 2021. Unorthodox fundraising and grassroots
campaigns allow the space for the freedoms necessary to protect democracy and exercise
the access that our ancestors on the margins were denied. Black women are the most
overutilized for GOTV efforts, but the most underfunded when we dare to lead or better yet, run for and obtain office. We are expected to use our social identity to obtain votes, but never our voice.
Party bosses have become field generals who invest no grassroots energy into their
strategies to attract, educate and invest in the communities they are supposed to serve.
Voters are keenly aware of our problems, but are tired of over-privileged, pop-up
candidates who are presented as the “savior of the masses” in packaged, well-monied
“connections for protection”.
Democrats currently have a one (1) seat majority in the Senate. Tammy Murphy
switched from being a lifelong republican to the democratic party upon her husband’s
election to Governor eight years ago. We cannot risk another Joe Manchin/Kristen Sinema
experience where one ascends using democratic party resources to then emerge vacillating
about where and with whom they stand when it comes to representing our interests. U.S.
Senators can tilt the scales for or against us as it pertains to limiting executive powers that
may add to or take away the rights, we as a nation fought so hard to attain.
Bullying political leaders to endorse Murphy because her connections can ruin livelihoods,
businesses and deny resources to communities that need it the most, breeds resentment
among the base and fails to toggle the emotional needle for voters who hear “Line A all the
way!”, knowing votes are obligated and not earned.
In his three terms in the U.S. Congress, Andy Kim has stood up to attempts to
undermine our democracy, he’s fought corruption, and he’s been a voice for the rights of all
who struggle to be heard. Andy has worked for his community and his country his entire
life. He has young sons like me; he has been underestimated like me; and he believes in
grassroots like I do. Because neither of us were handpicked, we had to build movements
with our own hands. We had to raise money, build our own operation with friends and
family, and prove to our neighbors that we deserve their vote.
When we vote for the people who represent us in Washington, we must elect people
who best reflect us and our values. I know what it’s like to be told not to run. I know what
it’s like to be told to wait my turn. I know what it’s like to have people in power expect me
to show up, but not speak out. We need to elect a Senator who understands our lives, who
sees us, hears our voices, and is willing to do the right thing for our community and our
state.
"Democracy is an action word, not a product of morality."
The fiercest opponents for Women’s Voting Rights were privileged white women
with powerful husbands who moved policies and politics by way of invited dinner guests.
We know there is a need for change. We know that in these times we can’t rely on
people who have been handed to us- to fight for us. Our voting rights, our reproductive
rights, immigration reforms and our civil rights are all on the line.
If we are deliberate and informed about for whom we are voting, the mechanisms are in place for our rights to consist of what we, the people choose to tolerate or demand.
I am arranging a listen and learn for Andy Kim and his run for U.S. Senate. I would like you to hear his platform and ask questions. If you would like to be in attendance please RSVP on the link below: www.mayordahliavertreese.com/event-details/andy-kim-meet-and-greet
Yours truly,
Mayor Dahlia O. Vertreese