| Dear Sandeep, I can't help but smile when I think about meeting Jason 26 years ago this month. He had just returned to Chicago from Washington, D.C., starting a new job practicing law and still full of excitement from his time at the White House. On our first date, his eyes lit up as he shared stories from his experiences in D.C., but what struck me most was how genuinely curious he was to hear about my work as a young teacher in a Chicago Public School. Jason spoke passionately about helping those in need, which was music to my ears as someone who saw every day how many families and children were struggling. On our fourth date, he told me he might want to run for office one day and asked if I would be okay with that. I said I'd be open to it, and little did I know it would be 26 years later! 
And now, here we are, at 51 and 52 years old, Jason came to me over a year ago and said, "Sooooooo, remember when I said I might run for office one day? How would you feel if I ran for Congress?" I'll admit, it caught me off guard. I needed a minute to process it. But it didn't take long for me to realize that the time is now, and that this moment is more important than ever. Jason still has the same passion for helping others that he did the day I met him, only stronger. After raising three kids here in the city and living a full life outside of politics, we are ready for this next chapter. I say we because he cannot do this alone, and I will be by his side every step of the way. I believe with all my heart that Jason is exactly the kind of Congressman Illinois' 7th District needs: compassionate, principled, hardworking, and deeply committed to serving others. This is going to be a challenging race. Jason is working his tail off meeting people across the district, listening to their stories, and learning about the unique challenges each community faces. He has an incredible team and a family that loves and supports him. But that's not enough. He needs you. There are so many ways you can help: by volunteering, by spreading the word, and yes, by contributing financially to support his campaign. Every single contribution, large or small, makes a difference in getting his message out and building the momentum needed to win. I still smile when I think back to one of our early adventures together — Jason asking me to take a week off teaching to volunteer for the Gore campaign in Minnesota. My principal gave her blessing, and off we went. We didn't get the result we hoped for (ugh, hanging chads!), but I look back on that experience so fondly. It was my first real taste of campaigning, with Jason right by my side. Now, 26 years later, it's my turn to stand proudly beside him. I hope you'll join me. With gratitude and hope,
Michelle Friedman
Proud wife of Jason Friedman, candidate for Congress, Illinois' 7th District
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