closed mouths don't get fed

[Pamela Pugh for Congress]( MI-8 Latest: Pugh Blasts 'Push Poll,' Democratic U.S. House candidate Pamela Pugh slammed what she called a "racist push poll" that offered glowing descriptions of her two white Democratic primary opponents in the 8th U.S. House District alongside a limited and inaccurate description of her as 'a Black legislator.' Dear {NAME}, Closed mouths don't get fed, and I am always hungry to confront injustice head-on. Last week, I was angry and disgusted. Today, I write to you with a fire in my soul and an unwavering determination. Recently, my campaign for Congress in Michigan's 8th District spotted a racist push poll aimed at discrediting my candidacy and distorting the facts in our race. So, true to form, I stood up, spoke out, and spoke truth to power. While my opponents were lavished with long bios and praise in the poll, I was reduced to a mere descriptor: "a Black legislator." I’m not even a legislator, although I am an elected official – an executive! My lifelong commitment to public service, my science degrees, my advocacy for marginalized communities, and my expertise in education and health policy were brushed aside with a single dismissive sentence as if my lived experience and career accomplishments counted for nothing. This was not just an attack on me; it's an assault on every Black voice that does the work to achieve justice and equality. It's a stark reminder of the deep-seated biases and inequalities that still pervade our political system. The powers that be are threatened because they see us - yes, you and me, {NAME} - rising up like a phoenix. But I refuse to be silenced or sidelined. I refuse to let their falsehoods define me or my campaign. Now, more than ever, I need your support to fight back against these underhanded, divisive tactics. Will you make a donation of [$8]( stand with me today? Your contribution will fuel our movement to counter the falsehoods, amplify our message of progress, and reach every corner of our toss-up, open-seat district with the truth. Together, we will build a coalition that stands against injustice and fights for integrity and fairness in our democracy. If you've stored your info with ActBlue Express, we'll process your contribution instantly: [DONATE $8]( [DONATE $20.24]( [DONATE $100]( [ANOTHER AMOUNT]( Contrary to what some may believe, I have not been seeking the support of establishment donors or the backing of the DCCC. Though it could have been the case, in the words of my former opponent Mayor Sheldon Neeley of Flint, before he dropped out of the race, “[black candidates] can push the bus, but not ride the bus”. As with many Black candidates, I have served the Democratic party for decades, but now feel as if our campaign has been written off and never given a chance by the national party. Meanwhile, my opponent Kristen McDonald Rivet – a first-term State Senator who I just helped get elected to serve in that role – is now attempting to be springboarded into this office which covers a more urban population. But, I don't need their help because I have you, {NAME}. I am committed to running a grassroots campaign because my allegiance lies with my neighbors, my coworkers, my fellow Michigan working families, and you – my grassroots supporters who are pitching in $1, $8, and $20.24 at a time. The people are who I am beholden to and who I will serve in office, who I will listen to, and who I will fight for – not special interests or the Democratic Party leaders in Washington D.C. This campaign is more than just an election—it's a call to action. It's a summons to forge a future where every voice matters, and every person is valued. [Donate $8 right now if you stand against injustice. Donate right now if you stand against inequality. Donate right now if you are also tired of Black Women being underestimated and disrespected despite being the frontline fighters for our communities.]( Together, we can make history. Together, we can make a real difference. Yours in solidarity, – Dr. Pamela Pugh --------------------------------------------------------------- I’m Dr. Pamela Pugh, and I’m a Saginaw native running for Congress in Michigan's 8th District. I've spent my career fighting to improve the lives of Michigan residents through public health initiatives, and as the Chief Public Health Advisor for Flint I played a pivotal role in standing alongside Flint residents during the water crisis. As a public servant, I currently serve as the President of the Michigan State Board of Education, a statewide elected position. I believe in standing up for the people and fighting for our democracy, our children, and our future. I've lived in Michigan's 8th District for my entire life and it will be the honor of a lifetime to represent my community in the House of Representatives. I'm relying on grassroots contributions to fuel my campaign to victory — [so please chip in what you can right now!]( Our email list is an important tool for us to reach Democrats and activists in Michigan and around the country. If you no longer wish to receive emails from us, please use [this link to unsubscribe.]( Pugh for Michigan 4580 State Street Saginaw, MI 48603 United States Unit 138 Paid for by Pugh for Michigan | Eric Welsby, Treasurer