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Navy veteran. Doctor. Small business owner.

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<h1>Our North Star: Fairness</h1><h4>At every level — from the economy to healthcare to government — my guiding principle is simple: Is it fair?</h4>Fairness starts with honesty:Both parties have had power. And life just got more expensive.

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After leaving the Navy, Karen started a small business to help veterans get the benefits they earned. Along the way, she saw how broken systems, endless paperwork, and political inaction can stand between people and the support they deserve.Karen is a veteran who knows what it means to show up, do the job, and take responsibility.While career politicians argue and protect the status quo, families here are feeling the squeeze — rising rent, higher costs, and paychecks that aren’t keeping up. Karen lives those same pressures, and she’s running because she knows they aren’t abstract problems. They’re everyday realities.

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If you’re fed up with excuses and ready for accountability, you’re in the right place.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">This isn’t complicated. It’s who Washington is really working for.</h2><span class="image video image-center" data-embed="&lt;div style=&quot;max-width:360px;margin:0 auto;&quot;&gt;
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Congress has world-class healthcare. Families have medical debt.

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Congress has world-class healthcare. Families have medical debt.

This Campaign Runs on People Like You

Together, we're taking back control.

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Our Congressman doesn’t live your reality. Rising rent. Higher grocery bills. Paychecks that don’t stretch. You feel it every day. He doesn’t. He’s been part of the same Congress that both parties controlled — and neither delivered.That ends when we elect an independent they can’t control.

Washington stopped listening.

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The Real State of the Union: Share Your Story

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Karen Leigh Matthews was born in Loma Linda and learned early what it means to work hard. She grew up believing in a simple promise: If you do your part, the system shouldn’t leave you behind.Karen was born in Loma Linda, graduated from medical school at Loma Linda University, and went on to serve more than 20 years in the United States Navy as a radiologist. She led medical teams, cared for service members and veterans, and wore the uniform because she believes America is more than a government — it’s a promise we make to each other.

Karen Leigh Matthews didn’t plan to run for Congress.She planned to serve. She wore the uniform because she believes America is more than a government.She became a doctor because care should be about people, not profit.She built a small business because communities thrive when neighbors invest in each other.After years of watching Washington stop listening, she decided it was time to step up.Not to be a politician — but to be a representative.

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Through tariffs and a major Republican law voted for by my opponent, families across CA-23 are dealing with increasing costs that are squeezing family budgets.

According to the latest data:

48,551 people in CA-23 will lose health coverage because of Republican cuts to Medicaid, known in California as Medi-Cal.

5,700 people in our district will lose access to health coverage because of Republicans’ decision to end tax credits under the Affordable Care Act.

21,000 people in our district are seeing their health care costs rise because of Republicans’ decision to end tax credits under the Affordable Care Act.

$127 is the average increase in electricity costs for families in our district under policies enacted by Donald Trump and my opponent in 2025.

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<img src="https://run.imgix.net/9e1ccb3d-81c6-4eee-969d-b1f632a2191d/272457c5-fe77-4593-b798-8be798240a3f/272457c5-fe77-4593-b798-8be798240a3f.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C580%2C437&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="37" variant="base"><h2>Share how things are really going for you and your family.</h2>On February 24th, President Trump will deliver his State of the Union address — and our Congressman, <a href="https://votehub.com/trump-score" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">who voted with him 98% of the time last year</a>, will likely agree everything is going well.But the real state of our union isn’t told from a podium. It’s lived in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities.It’s the parent choosing between rent and prescriptions. The small business owner watching costs rise. The worker doing everything right — and still falling behind.Before the applause in Washington, we want to hear from you.How are things actually going? Share your story.

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This campaign is about sending one of us to Congress to represent all of us. Because Washington won’t start working for California’s 23rd District until it’s represented by someone who actually lives its reality — and is willing to roll up their sleeves and fix what’s broken.

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<h3>"The Promise"</h3>Watch our announcement video about the promise America made — and why I’m running to restore it.

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Matthews for Congress respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us.This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your choices regarding that information. We may update this policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page.Information We CollectWhen you donate, sign up, volunteer, RSVP, or otherwise engage with our campaign, we may collect:<ul><li>Name</li><li>Mailing address</li><li>Email address</li><li>Phone number</li><li>Employer and occupation (as required by federal law for contributions)</li><li>Payment information</li></ul>We may also receive publicly available information or data from trusted partners and combine it with information you provide.How We Use Your InformationWe use your information to:<ul><li>Process contributions and comply with federal reporting requirements</li><li>Send campaign updates and news</li><li>Request donations or volunteer support</li><li>Confirm event attendance</li><li>Improve our website and communications</li></ul>We may contact you by email, mail, phone, or text message.We do not sell your personal information.Contributions &amp; Payment ProcessingOnline contributions are processed through secure third-party payment processors. Matthews for Congress does not store your full credit card information.Payment data is used solely for processing contributions and complying with federal election laws.Cookies &amp; AnalyticsWe use cookies and similar technologies to:<ul><li>Measure website traffic</li><li>Understand user engagement</li><li>Improve website performance</li><li>Support digital advertising efforts</li></ul>We may use third-party analytics services such as Google Analytics to help analyze site traffic. These services collect aggregated data and do not personally identify you.You may disable cookies through your browser settings.Digital AdvertisingWe may work with third-party vendors, including advertising platforms, to display campaign advertisements.These vendors may use cookies or similar technologies to show ads based on prior visits to our site. We do not share personal identifying information with advertising vendors.You may opt out of certain targeted advertising through your browser or platform settings.SMS / Text Messaging PolicyMatthews for Congress may offer supporters the opportunity to receive campaign updates, donation requests, volunteer opportunities, and event reminders via SMS/text message.By providing your phone number and opting in, you agree to receive recurring automated text messages from Matthews for Congress. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required as a condition of making a contribution. Reply STOP to opt out.How You Opt InYou may opt in by:<ul><li>Entering your phone number on our website and affirmatively consenting</li><li>Signing up at campaign events</li><li>Enrolling via keyword or written authorization</li></ul>By opting in, you authorize Matthews for Congress to send recurring automated messages to the number provided.Message FrequencyMessage frequency may vary based on campaign activity.Text Messaging PrivacyText messaging opt-in data and consent will not be sold or shared with third parties, except with service providers who assist in delivering messages on our behalf and are contractually required to safeguard your information, or as required by law.Disclosure of InformationWe may disclose information:<ul><li>To comply with applicable law or lawful requests</li><li>To protect the rights or safety of the campaign or others</li><li>To vendors performing services on our behalf under confidentiality agreements</li></ul>A Note to ParentsWe encourage you to talk to your children about safe and responsible use of their personal information while using the internet. Mathews for Congress does not knowingly collect, use or distribute children’s personally identifiable information to any third parties.Policy UpdatesWe may revise this Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of any updates.ContactQuestions about this Privacy Policy may be directed to:<a href="mailto:info@matthewsforcongress.com">info@matthewsforcongress.com</a>&nbsp;

She grew up where working full-time didn't guarantee stability — where one unexpected bill could upend everything.Navy veteran. Doctor. Small business owner.She's led medical teams, fought for veterans, and built something from nothing.Karen knows what it's like to work hard and still worry.She's running because she's done watching Congress ignore people like us.America is a promise we make to each other. She's running to restore it.

<h2>How to handle donations on your website</h2>Run does not process donations directly on our platform, as is standard with most political and advocacy sites.Campaigns are often required to comply with reporting requirements, donation limits, and other regulations, so using a donation processor that specializes in serving campaigns is generally a good idea. Sign up with a donation processor and then on your Pages sidebar, click the Link icon on the Donate page and add the link to your donation page. Some common options for donation processing include:<ul><li><a href="https://secure.actblue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ActBlue</a></li><li><a href="https://www.campaigndeputy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Campaign Deputy</a> </li><li><a href="https://goodchange.app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GoodChange</a></li><li><a href="https://numero.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Numero</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ngpvan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NGP VAN</a></li></ul>

<h2>This campaign is powered by people like you.</h2>No party bosses. No political machine.Just neighbors who believe we deserve someone who actually lives this reality.Someone who'll fight for us—and restore the promise of America.Together, we're taking back control.Give what you can. Every dollar shifts the balance.Vote June 2. But act now.

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Fed up with politics as usual? </h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">So am I.</h2>I’m an Independent running for Congress in CA-23 because neither party is fixing the problems working people face every day.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/9e1ccb3d-81c6-4eee-969d-b1f632a2191d/39558b29-55f0-4c2f-83fa-c4680e2c52b8/39558b29-55f0-4c2f-83fa-c4680e2c52b8.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1080%2C1443&amp;w=1500" alt="Karen Matthews" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="50" variant="framed">I served as a U.S. Navy physician for over 20 years, then started a business to help veterans get the care and benefits they earned.I’m not a career politician — I’m someone who’s seen where the system fails and is ready to fix it.This campaign isn’t funded by party bosses — it’s powered by people who are fed up and ready for accountability.

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Karen’s campaign is powered by regular people who are fed up with politics as usual and ready to do something about it. If you can spare one hour a week (or one shift this month), we’ll put you to work where it matters most.<h3>How you can help:</h3><ul><li>Phone Team (from home): Quick calls, clear script, easy coaching.</li><li>Canvassing: The highest-impact work: short conversations at the door with training and a partner.</li><li>Neighborhood Captain: Lead a small group, keep folks motivated, help cover a turf.</li><li>Event Host: Invite friends for a meet-and-greet, house party, or coffee chat.</li><li>Volunteer Recruiter: Bring in 2–3 friends and help them take their first shift.</li></ul>

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Work that pays enough to live. Not "access to opportunity." Actual wages that match actual costs.

Healthcare you can afford. Congress gets the best care in the world. You should too.

A government accountable to people. Not to the political parties that protect the broken status quo.

<h3>Here's what we're fighting for.</h3>Work that pays enough to live. Healthcare you can afford. A real path to homeownership. Respect and care for veterans. A government accountable to people — not the broken two party system.This is what families here need. Not someday. Now.Congress has had its chances — and it failed.This is our shot to reset who holds power and restore the promise.

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Fed up with politics as usual? So am I. 

At every level — from the economy to healthcare to government — my guiding principle is simple: Is it fair?Fairness means lower costs for working families. Freedom to make your own choices. Accountability from those in power. That’s how we restore trust, opportunity, and unity — one fair decision at a time.

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News and updates from the campaign trail in CA-23

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Share your story about rising costs, health care, and working families. Tell us the real state of our union before February 24.

LOMA LINDA, CA - Today, Rep. Jay Olbernolte (CA-23) voted to block debate on legislation that would lower surging healthcare costs by extending expired healthcare subsidies that helped families afford their insurance premiums. By allowing these subsidies to expire, Rep. Olbernolte caused premiums to rise sharply, forcing families across California’s 23rd Congressional District to pay $500, $800, or even $1,000 more each month. This has caused many to make painful choices between healthcare, rent, and groceries. Following his vote today, Dr. Karen Matthews, Independent candidate for Congress, released the following statement:“Congressman Obernolte today voted to stop Congress from even talking about lowering healthcare costs for families across the twenty-third district.“I have seen what happens when healthcare gets too expensive. People take less medicine. Parents skip doctor visits. Families in our district could see their monthly costs go up by $500, $800, or even $1,000.“That is rent money. That is grocery money. That is whether a child can stay in sports.“The worst part is that this did not have to be a party fight. Some Republicans were ready to vote yes, but Congressman Obernolte voted with the most extreme members of his party, not with families here.“Congressman Obernolte may be a nice guy, but that does not pay medical bills. What matters is how he votes - and his votes hurt families here.“I am tired of Congress playing games while people struggle. If you send me to Washington, I will work with anyone who wants to lower healthcare costs and make life more affordable.”Born in Loma Linda, Karen Matthews earned her degree in physical therapy, became a doctor, and joined the U.S. Navy, serving for 22 years. She rose through the ranks as a radiologist, preventive medicine specialist, data systems innovator, global health leader, and senior policy advisor at the Department of Health and Human Services, working at the Pentagon helping lead the Navy’s health tech modernization deliver care more efficiently and save taxpayer dollars. After leaving the Navy, Dr. Matthews started a small business to help veterans get the benefits they deserve. Dr. Matthews is now running for Congress to fix the broken status quo that has caused rising rent, higher costs, and paychecks that aren’t keeping up for families across California’s 23rd Congressional district. To learn more, visit<a href="http://www.matthewsforcongress.com"> </a><a href="http://www.MatthewsforCongress.com">www.MatthewsforCongress.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;###

Loma Linda, CA — Today, Rep. Jay Olbernolte (CA-23) voted to block debate on legislation that would lower surging healthcare costs by extending expired healthcare subsidies that helped families afford their insurance premiums. By allowing these subsidies to expire, Rep. Olbernolte caused premiums to rise sharply, forcing families across California’s 23rd Congressional District to pay $500, $800, or even $1,000 more each month.

Matthews Responds to Obernolte’s Vote to Prevent Congress from Lowering Surging Healthcare Costs

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People deserve to feel safe — in their homes, neighborhoods, and online.That requires:• Supporting local law enforcement with proper training and resources • Respecting the line between civilian life and military force • Protecting families and infrastructure from cyber threatsPublic safety works best when it’s rooted in trust, accountability, and the rule of law.Congress talks tough after the fact. Only an independent voice will focus on prevention and accountability.

Safe, Strong Communities

&nbsp;for border communities, families, or the country.I support a fair approach that includes:• Effective border security using modern tools • Removing violent criminals • An earned path to citizenship for law-abiding residents who contributeWe can enforce the law and treat people with dignity at the same time.Congress lurches between extremes. Only an independent voice will fix what’s broken and enforce what’s fair.

Immigration That Works — Firm, Fair, and Humane

People are working hard — and still falling behind.That’s not sustainable. And it’s not fair.I will focus on practical solutions that lower everyday costs and reward responsibility — not loopholes for insiders.That includes:• Making healthcare more affordable and predictable • Standing up to corporate pricing abuse • Supporting small businesses and local producers • Expanding housing options without pricing families outThis isn’t about ideology. It’s about affordability, stability, and fairness.Congress keeps debating. Independent leadership will finally fix what’s driving costs up.

Lower Costs and a Fair Shot for Working Families

Healthcare should be about care — not fear, bureaucracy, or financial ruin.As a physician and veteran, I believe fairness in healthcare means:• Care you can access. Prices you can see. Bills you can afford. • Real choices for patients • Decisions made with doctors — not politicians • Respect for personal liberty and bodily autonomyThat commitment includes strong support for the First Amendment — protecting free speech, free expression, and the right to speak openly without government retaliation.And strong support for the Second Amendment — respecting the right of law-abiding Americans to keep and bear arms, while enforcing the law responsibly.Rights matter most when they’re protected consistently — not selectively.Congress picks winners and losers. Only an independent voice will protect your rights across the board.

Healthcare, Freedom, and Personal Choice

Loma Linda, CA — Following Californians’ approval of new congressional district boundaries statewide through Proposition 50, independent candidate for California’s 23rd district Karen Leigh Matthews issued the following statement: “The passing of Proposition 50 is a crucial win for fairness. While the boundaries of our district may slightly change, I remain steadfastly committed to winning this race to deliver common sense solutions and lower prices for average Americans. Our district deserves a leader in congress who will fight for average Californians’ interests unlike Congressman Jay Obernolte, who has voted to cut government programs to fund tax cuts for the wealthy and whose inaction has shut down our government for weeks.” Karen is running to put people first and make government work for those who serve and sacrifice, not those who game the system. A native of Loma Linda, Karen has served her country for more than 20 years.&nbsp; After graduating from Loma Linda University medical school, Karen worked as a Radiologist in the US Navy. After leaving the Navy, she started a small business to help Veterans access the benefits they earned. Now, Karen is running for Congress to make sure every family in the 23rd district can afford the American Dream and everyday essentials – from groceries and rent, to a doctor’s visit when they are sick. # # #

Loma Linda, CA — Following Californians’ approval of new congressional district boundaries statewide through Proposition 50, independent candidate for California’s 23rd district Karen Leigh Matthews issued the following statement...

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STATEMENT FROM INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESS KAREN LEIGH MATTHEWS ON APPROVAL OF PROPOSITION 50

Too many people feel government works for insiders— not citizens.That has to change.I will fight for:• Enact term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court • Clear ethics rules and real accountability • Limits on insider trading and revolving-door lobbying • Fair representation and responsible spending&nbsp;Public service should be about responsibility — not reward.Congress protects itself. Only an independent voice can answer to voters — not the institution.

A Government That Earns Trust

LOMA LINDA, CA - Today, Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23) voted against legislation to lower insurance premiums for working families across California’s 23rd Congressional District. Rep. Obernolte’s vote is costing many families $500, $800, or even $1,000 more per month and forcing difficult choices between healthcare, rent, and groceries. Following the vote, Dr. Karen Matthews, Independent candidate for Congress, released the following statement:“Today was the moment that mattered, and Congressman Obernolte’s vote tells you everything you need to know about who he values. And it’s not the families in California’s 23rd District. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when healthcare gets too expensive. People ration medicine. Patients delay care. Families fall behind. I’m running for Congress because people in this district deserve someone who lives their reality, who understands that one soaring bill can be the difference between staying afloat and falling under water. When I get to Congress, I will vote every day to make life more affordable, not harder.”Born in Loma Linda, Karen Matthews earned her degree in physical therapy, became a doctor, and joined the U.S. Navy, serving for 22 years. She rose through the ranks as a radiologist, preventive medicine specialist, data systems innovator, global health leader, and senior policy advisor at the Department of Health and Human Services, working at the Pentagon helping lead the Navy’s health tech modernization to deliver care more efficiently and save taxpayer dollars. After leaving the Navy, Dr. Matthews started a small business to help veterans get the benefits they deserve. Dr. Matthews is now running for Congress to fix the broken status quo that has caused rising rent, higher costs, and paychecks that aren’t keeping up for families across California’s 23rd Congressional district. To learn more, visit<a href="http://www.matthewsforcongress.com"> </a><a href="http://www.MatthewsforCongress.com">www.MatthewsforCongress.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;###

Loma Linda, CA — Today, Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23) voted against legislation to lower insurance premiums for working families across California’s 23rd Congressional District. Rep. Obernolte’s vote is costing many families $500, $800, or even $1,000 more per month and forcing difficult choices between healthcare, rent, and groceries.

Dr. Karen Matthews Responds to Rep. Obernolte’s Vote Against Lowering Healthcare Costs

Loma Linda, CA — Today, Navy Veteran, Doctor, and Small Business Owner Karen Leigh Matthews –&nbsp; announced her campaign for Congress in California’s 23rd district, running as an independent candidate to challenge Congressman Jay Obernolte. As a divided Congress drove our country into a government shutdown, Karen's campaign reflects Americans' growing desire for a new political direction that puts working people over party politics. “Career politicians like Jay Obernolte are cutting taxes for the rich and shutting down the government, while doing nothing to lower prices for everyday Americans,” said Karen Leigh Matthews. “I’m launching this campaign to change that – to listen to the people of this district and make government work for people again.” “I went to medical school and became a Doctor so that I could help people in my community, and I joined the Navy so I could serve my country. The chaos and division in Washington have compelled me to do more. We’re caught between a party that wants government to fail and a party that can’t make government work, so it’s time for a new perspective. Like many Americans, I’ve never felt at home in either political party, and I believe we can chart a new path forward together. I hope you’ll join me in this grassroots campaign.” Instead of working to address the out-of-control costs of groceries, health care, and housing, Obernolte voted to cut Medicaid and SNAP benefits for working Californians – including veterans – all to fund massive tax cuts for himself and his wealthy friends. Now those same politicians have let the government shut down. While members of Congress continue to collect their paychecks, our brave men and women in uniform won’t see another paycheck until this is resolved. Karen is running to put people first and make government work for those who serve and sacrifice, not those who game the system. A native of Loma Linda, Karen has served her country for more than 20 years.&nbsp; After graduating from Loma Linda University medical school, Karen worked as a Radiologist in the US Navy. After leaving the Navy, she started a small business to help Veterans access the benefits they earned. Now, Karen is running for Congress to make sure every family in the 23rd district can afford the American Dream and everyday essentials – from groceries and rent, to a doctor’s visit when they are sick. Learn more about Karen’s grassroots campaign at: <a href="http://www.matthewsforcongress.com">www.matthewsforcongress.com</a> ###

Loma Linda, CA — Today, Navy Veteran, Doctor, and Small Business Owner Karen Leigh Matthews –&nbsp; announced her campaign for Congress in California’s 23rd district, running as an independent candidate to challenge Congressman Jay Obernolte.

KAREN LEIGH MATTHEWS LAUNCHES INDEPENDENT, GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

I'll fight for California's workers and protect our jobs, families, and communities. That means:• Pass the PRO Act – Restore workers’ right to organize, end union-busting tactics, and give working people real power to negotiate for better wages and safer workplaces.• Guarantee Mandatory Bereavement Leave – No one should be forced to work through the death of a loved one. Our laws should reflect basic human decency and family values.• Ensure Seven Days of Paid Sick Leave – Workers should never have to choose between their health and a paycheck — or between caring for a loved one and keeping their job.• Raise the Federal Minimum Wage – Lift millions out of poverty wages and stop the downward pressure on pay nationwide.

Restore the Dignity of Work

Karen is running as an independent for Congress because both parties had their chance — and both failed working families. She’s not asking you to blindly trust another politician. She’s asking you to help build something different — a campaign that answers to people, not parties.