1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you, as a leader of the State of Washington, to speak out and take every action possible to oppose any efforts—whether through Congress or a convention of states—to amend the U.S. Constitution in order to allow a third term for any president. Recent statements from former President Donald Trump, including comments about “methods” that could enable him to return to the White House for a third term, have raised serious alarms. Articles from NBC News and The Independent detail his rhetoric and the growing support among some members of the Republican party to lay the groundwork for this kind of authoritarian overreach. This is not just federal business—it is a matter for the states. As you know, amending the U.S. Constitution requires approval from three-fourths of the states or a convention initiated by two-thirds of them. That gives states like Washington the critical responsibility to stand firm against any attempt to erode one of the most fundamental checks on executive power in our democracy. We are not a nation of kings or dictators. Presidential term limits were established through the 22nd Amendment to ensure that no individual could hold the office indefinitely, and to protect against the rise of authoritarianism. Any attempt to dismantle those limits—particularly in service of one individual who has already undermined democratic norms—must be met with clear, unapologetic resistance. I implore you to publicly and forcefully oppose any move to call a convention of states with the goal of repealing or weakening the 22nd Amendment. Washington must not lend its voice, vote, or legitimacy to such efforts. Please stand with your constituents, with history, and with the Constitution itself. Thank you for your leadership and for defending our democracy.