Across the country, progressives who are fighting for the working class are running for office. We can’t sit around idly if we want them to win. These candidates aren’t just facing Republican opponents — they first have to win primaries against establishment Democrats backed by corporate donors. Taking action now is critical.
Even if you’re not in Virginia — whoever wins this congressional seat will make decisions in D.C. that effect every American. The establishment doesn’t want Salaam Bhatti to win — which is why we need to step up and support him.
Who is Salaam Bhatti?
Salaam is a public interest lawyer who has fought for the working class his whole career. He doesn’t take corporate PAC or AIPAC money — Salaam is running a people-powered campaign that’s not focused on left vs right, but on working class vs billionaire.
In his time fighting for working families, Salaam helped unite Republicans and Democrats in a bipartisan effort to expand food assistance to 25,000+ Virginia families. Salaam expanded free school meals for K-12 kids, improving their grades and physical & mental health. He repealed unjust, lifetime bans on basic needs for folks with drug felonies — improving outcomes & reducing recidivism. He secured historic increases in TANF cash assistance—twice—lifting families from crisis to stability. Salaam has also worked to improve government efficiency by creating a SNAP/WIC eligibility tool used by 2.5 million families, unlocking $100M+ in benefits.
Policies:
By now you should know any candidate I spotlight has passed three simple tests: support of universal healthcare, opposition to the genocide in Gaza, and abolishing ICE. But here are some other notable goals Salaam has for America:
Tax reform demanding the wealthy, particularly billionaires, pay their fair share.
Increase the federal minimum wage to a livable wage
Get the money out of politics with campaign finance reform to ban corporate PAC and dark money spending in our elections
Ban members of congress from trading stocks
A Word From Salaam:
I’m a child of immigrants. I learned English by watching Mister Rogers, got nutritious food from WIC, gained a love for reading from the public library behind my parents’ house, learned at public school where I received free lunches, fought for veterans benefits while in law school, and improved public welfare programs in my career. I mention all this because every public option that has made me - and millions of others - who we are is not only under threat but facing existential crises from Republicans. With my experience and expertise, I cannot sit by while my Representative actively starves and kills our neighbors.
I have a vision shared by many Americans on how to improve our nation for the people, not for the billionaires; so that we can build something better from the scorched earth that Trump created instead of simply undoing his harm.
—Salaam Bhatti
How You Can Support Salaam Bhatti:
A progressive win in Virginia’s 1st district would be a massive shake up — but it will only happen if we rally behind Salaam now. Don’t wait to fight for real progress. Here are three ways to support Salaam Bhatti:
Contribute to his campaign! Small donations add up when fighting corporate interests:
Volunteer with Salaam’s campaign! Even if you’re not in Virginia, you can help phone bank!
Share this newsletter! Restack here on Substack or drop it in your family group chat. Spread the word that Virginia has a real progressive running for U.S. Congress.
And as always, make sure to stay tuned with me for news updates and resources to get involved!
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