1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

Defending Democracy—We Did Not Vote for Authoritarianism I write to you as a citizen deeply concerned about the future of our democracy. We, the people of the United States, did not vote for authoritarianism, nor did we vote for kleptocracy. We voted for a government that represents us, that upholds the Constitution, and that operates within the rule of law—not one that serves the whims of a single individual. Yet today, we face an unprecedented and dangerous assault on the very foundations of our republic. We see a president and a political movement attempting to consolidate power, dismantle democratic institutions, and replace loyalty to the Constitution with loyalty to a single person. This is not democracy; it is autocracy. It is not governance; it is a power grab. History has shown us where this road leads. When leaders place themselves above the law, when institutions are hollowed out and turned into tools of repression, when those who speak out are silenced, the result is tyranny. But tyranny cannot prevail over a people who refuse to succumb to it. It is your duty, as a member of Congress, to stand in defense of democracy. That means protecting our institutions—our courts, our electoral systems, our independent agencies—from corruption and coercion. It means upholding the principle that no person is above the law, no matter their position. It means resisting efforts to undermine free and fair elections, the peaceful transfer of power, and the basic rights of all Americans. We call on you to: 1. Publicly and unequivocally reject authoritarianism in all its forms, regardless of party. 2. Uphold the rule of law by ensuring that those who attack our democracy are held accountable. 3. Protect our elections from interference, manipulation, and suppression. 4. Defend independent institutions—including the judiciary, the Department of Justice, and a free press—from political pressure. 5. Refuse to normalize corruption and abuse of power, regardless of where it comes from. We will not stand by while democracy is dismantled in front of us. We will organize, mobilize, and engage in peaceful resistance to authoritarian rule. We will fight against hate, against bigotry, and against the forces of repression that threaten our country. You swore an oath to uphold the Constitution—not to serve a single person, but to serve the people. The time to act is now. Will you stand with us?