True strength isn’t about the weapons you wield or how intimidating you appear. It’s about the relationships you build, the promises you keep, how you treat the less fortunate, and your ability to negotiate fairly and calmly. Under the current administration, our national security is at risk. The U.S. has alienated its allies, damaged its integrity, and shown weakness by neglecting those who need help the most. These actions put American lives in jeopardy, opens us up to global criticism, damages crucial relationships, and increases the likelihood that China or Russia could step into the void left by our retreat becoming the next world leader. I believe in protecting American lives through rebuilding tarnished relationships with our allies, helping to lift up other countries and showing them that America is a friend, and not through talking a tough game that American soldiers must then play.

Let me be clear: I will not take money from AIPAC, J Street, or any PAC that seeks to influence U.S. policy in ways that conflict with my commitment to human rights and accountability. What is happening in Gaza is a genocide. Civilians are suffering, families are being displaced, and lives are being lost. The United States is enabling and continuing to fund the genocide of the Palestinian people and it must stop. I will be a voice in Congress calling for an immediate ceasefire, to cease funding to Israel, and for the elimination of anti-BDS legislation.