Friends,

Ten days ago, my wife Jennifer and I sat across the table from each other in a local restaurant and made the decision, together, to officially launch a campaign for Congress. 

In the end, our decision to run boiled to two factors: 1) Congress is broken; and 2) We want a better future for our kids - and for all Americans.

Over bites of dinner, Jennifer asked me, "Why run when Congress seems so broken?"

I agree it's broken.  The partisan division and lack of progress makes me outraged - not as an elected official, but as an American. 

But my concern about the state of things doesn't repel me from the problem - it makes me want to fix it. 

The stakes are too high for things to stay this broken. 

There are too many families and small businesses struggling to make ends meet. 

The next generation will risk falling behind if we don't redouble our efforts to ensure top-notch educational opportunities.

Puget Sound remains at tremendous risk and cannot be ignored.  We must fight to protect it. 

We can't expect these problems to be fixed with more of the same from a broken system. There is too much at stake -- for our economy, for our families, and for our planet. 

We can do better.  We must do better.

Jen and I then had a lengthy discussion about what this would mean for our family.  I have two adorable daughters  -- Sophie, age 5, and Tess, age 2 -- who mean the world to me. 

I feel a strong sense of urgency to do everything I can to make sure we make a better future - not just for my kids, but for all of our kids.  I want a future for my kids - and all our kids - where they can get a great education, where they can get a great job, where we protect their natural environment, where we keep their world safe, and where every citizen is treated with dignity.

That's the future I want for my kids.  And that's the future I want to work for on behalf of all of us. 

That, my friends, is why I want to serve the people of the 6th Congressional District in Congress.  If you agree with me, I hope you'll lend a hand.

Click here to help us get our campaign off the ground.

Your early support is critical. In these early stages of the campaign, fundraising is incredibly important.  We need to raise the money to bring on staff, buy letterhead, and do those basic things that a campaign needs to do to be helpful.  We cannot do this without your help.  That's why I'm asking for your support today.

Will you help us get $25, $50, $100 or $500 closer to our fundraising goals right now?

Though we've been out of the gate for just one week, the campaign has tremendous momentum behind it.  Late last week, we announced the endorsement of dozens of elected officials from through the 6th Congressional District.  Our effort has now been endorsed by over 40 elected officials throughout this region, by the 26th Legislative District Democrats, the Pierce County Democrats, dozens of civic leaders, and many of you.

As someone who grew up in Port Angeles, who represents the area from Bremerton to the Narrows Bridge, and who works in downtown Tacoma, I care a lot about this region.  I'm honored and touched to be given this support by so many dedicated leaders throughout this area. This campaign has just begun and I look forward to meeting people in every part of the district. 

Will you join the campaign by offering your endorsement?

Folks, we have been tremendously well-represented by Congressman Norm Dicks for over three decades.  This region is stronger as a result of his legacy of working for jobs, fighting for our members of the military, and protecting our natural environment. 

I hope to continue his important work.  If we're going to change Congress and chart a strong future for our state and our country, we must keep moving forward.

In the months ahead, I hope that I can count on your support.

Best,

Derek Kilmer