Reprint of Tim Kaine’s Message

I want to share the multi-level strategy we are pursuing to stop Donald Trump’s lawless behavior and save our democracy:

It has 5 parts: Courts, Congress, States, Elections, and Activism.  

Courts

First, Democrats are part of a well-coordinated Court strategy to stop lawlessness. We implemented this on Inauguration Day and have had great success so far in lawsuits to protect federal workers — a judge has already paused the sham federal worker buyout — stop erosion of constitutional rights, preserve congressional power of the purse, protect immigrants, and restrict people like Elon Musk from rampaging through federal agencies. We won’t win all these cases, but initial signs are positive.

 Congress

In Congress, Democrats are in a minority. But we forced the withdrawal of an Attorney General nominee, and I led an effort that gained three Republican votes against the Secretary of Defense. In the coming weeks, we are prepared to wage major battles on the budget and GOP plans to give tax breaks to the wealthy — and I’ve recently used an unusual Senate procedure to set up a challenge to Trump’s plans to gut environmental protections and clean energy projects to benefit Big Oil.

 States

Democratic Governors and other officials are acting at the state and local levels to alert the public to the damage caused by Trump budget cuts — and are doing everything possible to protect our neighbors from lawless acts.

 Elections

We began 2025 winning key special elections in Virginia and Iowa, and the momentum is growing! I am particularly focused on the Virginia Governor’s race this year, which can send a national message of revulsion over Trump’s failures, so I hope you will join me in getting involved. Virginia will also hold elections for our Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General, both of which we can flip to Democratic leaders, and our House of Delegates, where we must maintain our majority. Your efforts in Virginia’s 2025 elections will be crucial to Democratic success — and the message it will send.

 We also need to gear up for a strong showing in the 2026 midterm elections — yes, already. In about 20 months, we have the opportunity to disrupt the GOP trifecta, re-elect strong leaders like my friend Mark Warner, and establish an opposition better able to fight back against this extreme Administration.

 Activism

And finally — your activism matters. Vigorous, peaceful public protest is building all across this nation. Our Founders knew that elections were not sufficient to safeguard democracy, so they protected the right of the people “peacefully to assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Your dedication is an integral part of our path forward.

 This year, we will need you to be involved. In speaking up, in calling out dangerous actions, and in holding accountable those who refuse to use their power to protect democracy. Many of you have visited my Senate offices to discuss issues you care about, and I love seeing you — thank you for being so active. I also need your help expanding our reach in challenging areas, because your voice is powerful. There are many members of Congress in redder areas who desperately need to hear from an impassioned public, and I encourage you to organize in their offices with the same enthusiasm I see in mine. 

I’m counting on your resolve, because I’ve seen what we can accomplish with you in the fight.

It’s hard now. But I’m up for the battle ahead, and I feel energized by your active support. The nation is counting on us as we near the 250th birthday of our democracy. 

We will prevail!

-TK

Tim Kaine

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