Recently, a friend shared a campaign video with a note that said, “You have to watch this with your daughter.” My day was packed with carpool duties and school events, but I took a moment to watch it. Before I knew it, tears filled my eyes. My daughter walked in, curious about my emotional state. We ended up watching the video together, both of us shedding tears of joy.
The candidate, Sarah Thompson, passionately recounts her dream of flying fighter jets for the U.S. military, a dream she had since she was twelve. Back then, women were not permitted to serve in combat roles. In her video, she shares how she reached out to every member of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee, pleading for change. “I told them they just hadn’t met me yet,” she states, humorously noting that she never got a response from her Senator.
Undeterred, Sarah forged ahead. She dedicated 20 years to the United States Air Force and became the first woman to fly a combat mission in an F-16. With 89 combat missions under her belt against hostile forces, she has certainly made her mark. Her message is powerful: girl power is alive and well, challenging the outdated notions perpetuated by a patriarchal society.
Now, Sarah is running for a Congressional seat in Kentucky’s Sixth District, taking on Republican incumbent Mark Davis in a bid for significant change in Washington. As the video concluded, my daughter looked at me, tears in her eyes, and said, “Mommy, she’s just like me! They told her she couldn’t be a fighter pilot, and people have said I’m not tough enough to be a firefighter!” I embraced her, thankful that Sarah Thompson is standing up for young girls across the nation.
Mark her name down; she is on the rise. To describe Sarah Thompson as a powerhouse would be an understatement. Watching her campaign video filled me with joy because, for the first time, I saw a female candidate whose message resonated with both me and my daughter. I could relate to the twelve-year-old girl who was told she couldn’t pursue science because “you don’t think like a boy.” Hope swelled in my heart, knowing my daughter has faced similar doubts about her dream of becoming a firefighter due to her size.
When my daughter expressed a desire to write to Sarah, sharing how much her campaign inspired her, I had to hold back tears of pride as I watched her include $20 of her allowance with her letter.
Dear Ms. Thompson,
My name is Lily, I am 12, and I live in Ohio. Even though I don’t live in Kentucky, I fully support your campaign for Congress. I want to be a firefighter when I grow up, but I was recently told I couldn’t be one. Your video has motivated me, proving that with hard work and determination, I can achieve my dreams. There will always be doubters, but thanks to your message, I’m ready to face them. Thank you for being an inspiration.
Best wishes,
Lily, from Ohio
I won’t lie; it was a moment of immense pride when she handed me her letter. It’s hard to believe that even today, young girls struggle to find role models who empower them to believe they can make a difference in the world.
I commend Sarah not just for her courage as a service member but also for her commitment to creating a better future for our children. After the presidential election, I found myself wandering in confusion, questioning how our country had strayed so far. I realized that real change for our daughters can only happen if we engage in politics and advocate for what we believe in. We must stir the political waters and ensure our daughters feel empowered to take on the world.
I applaud Sarah Thompson for being a fierce advocate who has taken the initiative to enter politics. Thank you for your service and for fighting the good fight in your journey to Congress. Though the road ahead may be challenging, I know a remarkable young girl who stands firmly behind you. The joy on her face when you acknowledged her letter on social media confirms that you are headed in the right direction.
Take heed, Mark Davis; Sarah Thompson is coming, and we are all in her corner.