1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

The strength of our democracy depends on our commitment to its foundational principles; separation of powers, the rule of law, and the accountability of our leaders. Throughout history, democracies have not collapsed overnight, but rather eroded gradually as norms and institutions are undermined. There are clear warning signs when a nation shifts away from democracy and toward authoritarianism. These include the legislative branch ceding power to the executive, corporations becoming political enforcers, leaders disregarding constitutional norms, the vilification of political opponents and marginalized groups, and loyalty to a person being placed above loyalty to the country. History offers many examples of how these patterns unfold, from Russia to other nations where democratic institutions were slowly dismantled in full view of the public. As my representative, I urge you to stand firm in upholding constitutional principles, reinforcing congressional oversight, and ensuring that our government remains accountable to the people rather than to any single leader or corporate interest. The choices made today will determine the future of our democracy. I ask you to prioritize protecting our institutions, regardless of political affiliation, to ensure that power remains with the people and not concentrated in the hands of a few.