Dear California DNC Members,

We the undersigned, residents of the state of California, do hereby express our support for Representative Keith Ellison for the position of DNC Chair. We urge you to vote for Keith in the upcoming election; he is the right leader at the right time for our party.

In the aftermath of November’s election of Donald Trump, we are all still reeling. The first days of Trump’s presidency have marked tremendous crises of concern for issues of human rights, and have been completely at odds with our most important American values. The responsibility of asking how this could have happened falls heavily on our shoulders.

If the Democratic Party is to remain relevant with those in our country who feel politically alienated, as though D.C. is aloof from their very real, very pressing everyday needs, then it’s clear we must take a new direction. The results of November’s election tell us very clearly that the status-quo isn’t working for The People. It’s imperative that we listen to their concerns, and respond with the full assurances that Democrats will do everything in their power to stand up for real Americans over Wall Street and special interests.

The massive protests that have sprung up across this country recently at the grassroots level is exactly the type of energy and enthusiasm Democrats should hope to channel in order to see our candidates win elections up and down the ballot. Keith Ellison knows this. His background in community activism and organizing, and in successful fundraising, will play a critical role in reshaping the party’s strategy for the future.

Vote for Keith, and let’s get to work in transforming this party into what it can be. It’s time to take this country back.