1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

I'm writing as your constituent in Snellville and as an emergency physician of about twenty years. As the House organizes for the new Congress and the Speaker is chosen in January, I'm asking you to support new leadership instead of Representative Hakeem Jeffries. Representative Jeffries is a capable legislator. But I believe this election was a call for a new generation of leadership that fights harder and speaks more plainly to working people. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have already signed on to calls for a different Speaker, and I think that frustration deserves to be taken seriously. For Speaker, I would support Representative Ted Lieu, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or Pete Buttigieg: • Rep. Ted Lieu is a veteran, a sharp communicator, and someone who already has experience in House Democratic leadership. • Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has an unusual ability to energize younger voters and people who feel ignored by both parties. • Pete Buttigieg isn't a member of the House. But the Constitution does not require the Speaker to be one, and he has proven himself as a cabinet secretary and as one of the most persuasive communicators in the party. In the emergency department, I see the real-world cost of gridlock every shift: patients who can't afford medication, delayed care, and families stretched to the limit. The House needs a Speaker who can put those concerns at the center of the agenda and make the case to the public every day. I'd appreciate a response letting me know where you stand on the Speaker vote. Thank you for representing our district.