The Democratic Party’s approval is at 26% because it keeps backing the status quo. These five campaigns show us another path—rooted in courage, humanity, and people.
Qasim, I don't have much money - are there one or two of these that need it more than others? Also, thank you for offering these candidates, whom I had mostly not heard of before.
My concern is that he might not be the man we think he is. Just like for example Kirsten Sinema, people thought she was a liberal and progressive. Not a neoliberal that took money from republican PAC's and different lobbies. But of course I don't know enough about Platner. And it's more logical that he that is 41 and not Janet Mills that is 77 should replace Susan Collins. I just want to make sure it's not a mistake.
I appreciate that he's covered up the Tattoo and confirmed that he had no ill intent. And I can't find any evidence from other statements or actions that indicate ill intent. I've met him and believe him that he's committed to working families, anti-genocide, pro labor, pro Indigenous. That's why I'm behind him, and not Mills, who is silent on genocide, anti labor, and anti Indigenous rights.
I started worrying about this too - but when I read the whole story I can easily see a dumb kid in the service doing all those things....because I WAS a dumb young kid in the service doing stupid things. I didn't know he'd had two managers quit.
Here in IL-9, I have met both Bushra and Kat Abughazaleh and like them both. Kat is a fiery activist who faced up to ICE and faces charges for doing so. I admire that. I look forward to the debates.
I should note that there are three candidates, Daniel Biss, Laura Fine and Patrick Hanley who refuse to answer my questions: "Do you support liberty and justice for all and oppose Israel's ethnic cleansing? If you are elected, will you refuse both funding Israel and supplying it with weapons? All three are silent. Stating that one is opposed to the genocide in Gaza without stating that Israel should no longer be funded by the US is a way for a stealth candidate to get into office only to continue supporting Israel. Don't fall for this.
Jan Schakowsky has been a model representative in all respects except for her support of Israel. She has told me that Israel must be able to defend itself. The world has seen terrible offensive activity covered by this false claim of defense. There is no defense of ethnic cleansing. I am particularly worried by Schakowsky's endorsement of Patrick Hanley who is not a Jew like Jan but will not answer my questions referred to above.
Americans MUST break the grip of Zionism. Getting either Bushra or Kat into office would serve that purpose.
Thanks. You are right about Platner. He’s on the right track, and I expect great things. I have been donating to his campaign for a couple of months - and while still modest, I doubled it after hearing him speak and watching his crowd’s reaction.
I don’t dislike his primary opponent, Janet Mills (she has been generally good, if comfortable with the status quo for decades), but Susan Collins has run against status quo Democrats five times now, and handily beaten every one of them. Doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different outcome is one good definition of insanity. Moreover, even if Mills were assured of victory, she opposes filibuster reform, Supreme Court expansion, and the changes in Democratic approach necessary to undo the radical right destruction of our government. She is not what is needed to meet the moment.
We’re not facing normal politics. Indeed, Trump’s Administration is wildly abnormal. As you note, fighters are what is needed - people comfortable facing the hate of Malefactors of Great Wealth. Our nation has been here before. It need not be fatal to the great experiment that is US self government. However, there is no going back on a lot of what Trump has done. We need a vision to match the moment. That vision must be of a better nation - where racism and misogyny have no place, and where our government is not for sale. I think Platner thinks so too.
Thanks so much for your work. A small correction- James Abourezk of South Dakota was the first Arab-American Senator elected back in 1972. Another great progressive, recently deceased.
I pray to God IL-09 gets either Kat Abughazaleh or Bushra Amiwala as their representative. Personally rooting for Kat. I've barely heard anything from Bushra! She needs to speak up more, or risk losing.
Thank you for the links. I donated to all 5. I'm a 78 y/o woman who has lost all faith in the Democratic Party elites. We need new voices who are not beholden to AIPAC, the health care monopoly, etc., etc., etc.
This is so valuable. While the country is experiencing a major hell, the non republican side has a lot and can learn a lot in the process and reinvent itself and become better!
Can Act Blue be trusted? I have been concerned that they seem to have a momopoly on collecting campaign contributions. In the past when I try to contribute without using them, there isn’t another option.
Thank you! I donated to each one using act blue logged in as myself. A voting Dem for decades! Let them see what we want. I’m an older wyt lady and I want these people in this article! I want Zohran Mamdani and the other amazing people in this country who really want to serve and help people. Thank you for highlighting this.
RIGHT ON! I don't have squat in regards to money, but I think I can donate $5 to each candidate at the end of the month.
We need fresh blood in the Democratic party; folks who will work for the people!
I appreciate you!
Thank you!
Qasim, I don't have much money - are there one or two of these that need it more than others? Also, thank you for offering these candidates, whom I had mostly not heard of before.
I would support Salaam Bhatti.
I have some concerns about Graham Platner. Previous statements and nationalistic tattoos (Which he has now covered up) That by itself can be explained, and people can change, but 2 campaign managers have quit. Source : https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/27/graham-platner-campaign-manager-00623670
My concern is that he might not be the man we think he is. Just like for example Kirsten Sinema, people thought she was a liberal and progressive. Not a neoliberal that took money from republican PAC's and different lobbies. But of course I don't know enough about Platner. And it's more logical that he that is 41 and not Janet Mills that is 77 should replace Susan Collins. I just want to make sure it's not a mistake.
I appreciate that he's covered up the Tattoo and confirmed that he had no ill intent. And I can't find any evidence from other statements or actions that indicate ill intent. I've met him and believe him that he's committed to working families, anti-genocide, pro labor, pro Indigenous. That's why I'm behind him, and not Mills, who is silent on genocide, anti labor, and anti Indigenous rights.
I started worrying about this too - but when I read the whole story I can easily see a dumb kid in the service doing all those things....because I WAS a dumb young kid in the service doing stupid things. I didn't know he'd had two managers quit.
Here in IL-9, I have met both Bushra and Kat Abughazaleh and like them both. Kat is a fiery activist who faced up to ICE and faces charges for doing so. I admire that. I look forward to the debates.
I should note that there are three candidates, Daniel Biss, Laura Fine and Patrick Hanley who refuse to answer my questions: "Do you support liberty and justice for all and oppose Israel's ethnic cleansing? If you are elected, will you refuse both funding Israel and supplying it with weapons? All three are silent. Stating that one is opposed to the genocide in Gaza without stating that Israel should no longer be funded by the US is a way for a stealth candidate to get into office only to continue supporting Israel. Don't fall for this.
Jan Schakowsky has been a model representative in all respects except for her support of Israel. She has told me that Israel must be able to defend itself. The world has seen terrible offensive activity covered by this false claim of defense. There is no defense of ethnic cleansing. I am particularly worried by Schakowsky's endorsement of Patrick Hanley who is not a Jew like Jan but will not answer my questions referred to above.
Americans MUST break the grip of Zionism. Getting either Bushra or Kat into office would serve that purpose.
Completely agree. Candidates who won’t answer questions while campaigning don’t deserve your vote.
Thanks. You are right about Platner. He’s on the right track, and I expect great things. I have been donating to his campaign for a couple of months - and while still modest, I doubled it after hearing him speak and watching his crowd’s reaction.
I don’t dislike his primary opponent, Janet Mills (she has been generally good, if comfortable with the status quo for decades), but Susan Collins has run against status quo Democrats five times now, and handily beaten every one of them. Doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different outcome is one good definition of insanity. Moreover, even if Mills were assured of victory, she opposes filibuster reform, Supreme Court expansion, and the changes in Democratic approach necessary to undo the radical right destruction of our government. She is not what is needed to meet the moment.
We’re not facing normal politics. Indeed, Trump’s Administration is wildly abnormal. As you note, fighters are what is needed - people comfortable facing the hate of Malefactors of Great Wealth. Our nation has been here before. It need not be fatal to the great experiment that is US self government. However, there is no going back on a lot of what Trump has done. We need a vision to match the moment. That vision must be of a better nation - where racism and misogyny have no place, and where our government is not for sale. I think Platner thinks so too.
I like the idea of electing people who actually give a damn! Donations will come with a positive message from positive action.
Fully agree
Thanks so much for your work. A small correction- James Abourezk of South Dakota was the first Arab-American Senator elected back in 1972. Another great progressive, recently deceased.
Good correction! Thank you.
I pray to God IL-09 gets either Kat Abughazaleh or Bushra Amiwala as their representative. Personally rooting for Kat. I've barely heard anything from Bushra! She needs to speak up more, or risk losing.
Agree!
Thank you for the links. I donated to all 5. I'm a 78 y/o woman who has lost all faith in the Democratic Party elites. We need new voices who are not beholden to AIPAC, the health care monopoly, etc., etc., etc.
Bless you Linda!
Let's do this! Remake our country to represent and speak for ALL the people!
100% agree!
This is so valuable. While the country is experiencing a major hell, the non republican side has a lot and can learn a lot in the process and reinvent itself and become better!
Absolutely right. We need to be deliberate about it.
Can Act Blue be trusted? I have been concerned that they seem to have a momopoly on collecting campaign contributions. In the past when I try to contribute without using them, there isn’t another option.
They basically do have a monopoly, unfortunately. I'm not asking anyone to trust them. But be assured these candidates can be trusted.
Thank you! I donated to each one using act blue logged in as myself. A voting Dem for decades! Let them see what we want. I’m an older wyt lady and I want these people in this article! I want Zohran Mamdani and the other amazing people in this country who really want to serve and help people. Thank you for highlighting this.
Amazing! Thank you Lili!