Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was on his way to work when he was stopped by immigration agents who were not wearing body cameras. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a hard-working family man who called the United States his home for the past 35 years, was shot and killed by ICE. DHS made a statement on Thursday revealing that Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was not the intended target. 

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. Our forefathers wrote those words when they declared independence from Great Britain.

Well, my friends, tomorrow is the day. The day thousands of Oklahomans choose their democratic nominee. June 16 also marks 10 months since we kicked off this campaign. We’ve been organizing since August and have visited voters in 11 counties, from Oklahoma City to Norman to Chickasha, Lawton, Pauls Valley, Ada, Sulphur, Ardmore, and Marietta. It has been a wonderful experience meeting and listening to Oklahomans across Congressional District Four. 

As a public defender, I fight every single day I walk into a courtroom. I don’t do it for the money because public defenders don’t make that much. I don’t do it for prestige or for the thrill of victory. I do it for justice. I do it for the satisfaction of knowing that I am serving others and defending the Constitution. As a public defender, it is my public duty to hold a special understanding of the rule of law and the Constitution.

I want to meet people where they are. I want to hear what they’re worried about, what they’re hopeful for, and what they need from the people who represent them. I want to listen more than I talk. Most importantly, I want to continue building a campaign that is focused on people, not politics as usual.

Whether you sign up to door knock, make calls, deliver yard signs, or drive voters to the polls, you are actively participating in a grassroots movement. You are joining something bigger than yourself.

I entered this race because, like you, I understand big family economics. Like you, I understand the strain of skyrocketing health insurance and the headache that comes with trying to have a simple procedure. Like you, I have to budget for higher grocery prices and a rising cost of living. Like you, I require a paycheck to survive. And like you, I am ready for change to reach Oklahoma.

My friends, what if I told you your vote is the antidote to a rigged system? We are living in an unprecedented moment in American history, in which a small group of billionaires holds more wealth and power than ever before. America is turning into a playground for the top 1%. The American Dream is nearly impossible to achieve and will only become more difficult to pursue if we remain complacent. But, there is hope.