Friends, 

As we collectively grieve, rage and despair at the terrors inflicted by this administration, the antidote is action - collective action. The ultra rich and powerful are actively and methodically dismantling everything we have held sacred about the promise of this nation.

Our neighbors are being stolen in the streets by masked bounty hunters and sent to concentration camps. Healthcare and food for our children, elders, and most vulnerable are being stripped away. Oppressors are comfortable throwing Sieg Heil salutes in public. We do not believe the propaganda that any of this violence makes America safer or greater.

“Freedom” bounded by fear and control over others is not freedom. As Democrats, we are the patriots who love this country enough to fight for true freedom - for the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

Nobody is coming to save us, but us. 

The remarkable thing is - there is utter JOY in coming together to fight back and reclaim our nation. Hope even in these times brightens when we unite in meaningful work.

I am running to lead our community forward at this most critical time. 

The San Diego County Democratic Party will likely elect a new Party Chair at our August 19 meeting. 

The most significant role of our county party has been to endorse and elect local Democrats who vow to support our platform and values. But when those leaders come under strategic attack from right wing extremists, we have not built supportive infrastructure as a party. We have not had steady leadership building relationships with community leaders. We have not been the connective tissue between voters and electeds on an ongoing basis. We have not consistently praised the good work and governance resulting from the public servants we elect. But we can do these things, and be a home for Democrats in the community who are fighting to save democracy at the same time. 

It is time to fight for Party and country and earn the faith of our partners in the community who have not had a seat at the table. 

This moment requires all of us bringing our talents, passions, and voices together to protect our democracy at every level. To add your name in support, please visit: bit.ly/EndorseSara 

I welcome ongoing dialogue and vision-building in the weeks, months and years ahead.

~ In Solidarity and Hope,

Sara Ochoa

(Photographs below are indicative of Sara’s years of Party activism only, and do not imply endorsement from all members of our community depicted. See “Endorsements” for a current list.)