Fight continues after Nov. 6

To the editor:

This November is one of the most important elections we will ever face. What President Trump and his administration have done in a very short time is appalling, and as a result, it is critical for Democrats to retake Congress.

While it’s true that my main challenge this election cycle was in the June primary — which we won by an overwhelming margin — my work across our congressional district remains far from over.

With a majority in the House, Democrats will not only be able to finally hold this president accountable, but we can also move our progressive agenda forward.

We can finally stand up for health care, the environment, our democratic institutions, immigrant rights, and women’s rights, just to name a few of the many issues that have come under attack.

With a Democratic majority, I would also be in line to serve as the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where I would have great influence over our foreign policy.

Since my primary victory, I have been working across the country to help Democrats win, including two right here in New York who have tight races — Antonio Delgado and Anthony Brindisi. I’ve done a few campaign events with Antonio, who is running in New York’s 19th Congressional District, and recently helped phone bank for him. I have also met with Anthony several times and supported his candidacy in New York’s 22nd Congressional District.

They are both impressive candidates, and will do us proud in Washington.

Of course, none of the hard work we have put in these past few months will matter unless voters head to the polls on Nov. 6. This election will go a long way in determining what kind of a country we want to be, and what type of democracy we want to have.

Do we want to continue down this dark path, with a Republican-led Congress enabling our president’s worst instincts?

Or do we want to chart a new course, one that rejects the politics of hatred and division in favor of a unified vision for a more fair and equitable America?

I know which path I’m choosing, and I think most Americans will choose the same.

Though I am optimistic about Nov. 6, it’s important to remember that the fight for our shared values doesn’t end with any one election.

I can’t wait to get back to Washington to keep that fight going on behalf of the people I represent.

Eliot Engel

The author is the U.S. Representative for New York’s 16th Congressional District, covering parts of the northern Bronx and Westchester County.