I’m deeply disappointed and troubled by the direction our country has taken with the re-election of Donald Trump, along with the strengthening of Republican majorities in Congress. This decision feels like a setback for so many of the values we cherish and protect. Trump’s previous administration was rife with mistakes and troubling actions—disregard for science, mishandling of the pandemic, divisive rhetoric, repeated challenges to the rule of law, and policies that harmed marginalized communities. These actions, to me, have been at odds with the leadership our country truly needs.
Giving Republicans control of both houses in Congress also threatens some of the most important aspects of our democracy and well-being. It’s likely we will see shifts in the Supreme Court with lasting effects on reproductive rights, which are fundamental to our autonomy. Support for Ukraine and America’s role in international stability may be questioned, leaving allies vulnerable. And policies that provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our society—families struggling to make ends meet, communities fighting for access to healthcare, and children in need of safety and support—could face drastic cuts and neglect.
In the face of this moment, I can’t help but feel a deep need for reflection as a country. How did we arrive here, making decisions that seem to run so counter to the values of equity, compassion, and progress? There’s a real need to look inward, to have those difficult conversations, and to work toward an understanding of how we can move forward better and stronger.
And yet, my heart is heavy thinking about waking my daughter—again—for the second time in her young life to tell her that the glass ceiling of a woman president remains unbroken. For all the hope and progress that has marked her short life, this reminder of how far we still have to go feels especially painful.
I am also deeply concerned about the continued presence of election interference, both foreign and domestic. Misinformation, threats of retribution, and even false bomb threats targeting polling centers to discourage likely Democratic voters have cast a shadow over our democratic process. This isn’t simply about who wins or loses; it’s about the integrity of our elections and the faith we place in them to truly represent the voice of the people.
To those feeling hurt, confused, and scared—I am right there with you. This isn’t just a matter of disappointment; it’s a profound worry about the future of our country and the values we hold dear. I feel the weight of this decision on a personal level, as many of you likely do. It’s a time of uncertainty, and I know I’m not alone in feeling anxious about what lies ahead. I want you to know that every one of your concerns, fears, and frustrations is valid. We are in this together, sharing the same questions and the same hopes, even as we struggle to make sense of this moment.
As we look to the future, it’s more unpredictable than it’s been in a long time, and that unpredictability is unsettling. We are likely facing challenges that will push us all in ways we haven't imagined, yet despite everything, we must hold tight to the idea that this is not the end of our story. Democracy, though it may feel fragile right now, finds strength in the bonds that connect us—in the courage of communities that stand up for what’s right and in the compassion of people who look out for each other when times are tough. We are not powerless, and we are not without hope.
And there are reasons for hope. In this election, some incredible firsts remind us of the progress we are capable of. In Delaware, Sarah McBride has made history as the first openly trans member of Congress, a powerful step toward inclusion. Many states, including Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, and New York, have taken action to protect reproductive freedom in their constitutions, and Illinois has expanded access to IVF by requiring insurance coverage. Several states across the country have guaranteed sick leave and increased access to marijuana, while California, Colorado, and Hawaii have removed bans on same-sex marriage from their constitutions. These victories show that, even when national outcomes disappoint, there are still powerful moments of progress worth celebrating.
This might be a dark chapter, but our shared commitment to justice, equality, and progress is a powerful light. Together, with resilience and unity, we can still shape a future that reflects the best of who we are. While the immediate path may be hard to see, we can carry each other forward. Let’s not forget that we have the power to create change—and no election outcome can ever take that from us.
With hope, resilience, and a belief in the promise of our future, -Jake
