The old adage that if you work hard and play by the rules, you will get ahead, isn’t true for too many Philadelphians. Monthly rent payments, credit card debt, student debt, and retirement savings are some of the items of growing concern for working and middle-class Americans. Working families, low-income communities, and fixed-income households across the nation are experiencing the compounded failures of federal, state, and local governments that have stopped serving their needs.

Growing up in a Puerto Rican family of six in South Philly, we lived paycheck to paycheck, often sharing one room. I know what it’s like to struggle. While wages remain stagnant, everyday costs continue to rise from housing, childcare, energy bills, groceries, to transportation. In Philadelphia, an unreliable and expensive SEPTA system and increasingly inaccessible government benefit programs only deepen the strain. People are left asking who their tax dollars are really working for.

Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District has tens of thousands of voters who have been voting Democratic in general elections for decades, with less and less to show for it. When the establishment candidates in this race attend lavish parties hosted by the insurance lobby and Hollywood elite while everyday people struggle to get by, it leaves little hope that things will change. And yet, we have seen how political outsiders in other cities have successfully expanded the electorate, showcasing people-first agendas.

Congress is where consumer protection laws can be strengthened, a robust social safety net can be rebuilt, and a reinvestment in public goods can be codified. Holding Congressional office means much more to me than simply legislating on Capitol Hill. It is an opportunity to serve as a strong progressive voice and a community leader who is responsive and accountable to those within the district and to issues from beyond the district.

The responsibility of a U.S. Representative also extends beyond our borders. As such, it is our obligation to immediately halt the sale of arms to Israel to end U.S. complicity in the genocide of Palestinians. Members of Congress should support the use of international law and accountability mechanisms to hold Netanyahu, his cabinet, and military leaders responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Additionally, the U.S. should work with our international partners to lead diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. As we call out this genocide, we must also work to combat hate at home, which is why it has been so important for me to continue to meet with both Jewish and Muslim community leaders to understand their experiences and work on a pathway forward. We must not succumb to the divisive vitriol of Trump and the MAGA movement.

While the political establishment allows Trump and the billionaire class to enrich themselves in Washington, D.C., they are failing working families here at home. As we face crushing economic insecurity and our communities are terrorized by ICE, Democrats lack the spine to take on Trump, and career politicians are busy upholding a rigged system instead of serving our needs.

If you think our Harrisburg politicians deserve a promotion, then I’m not your guy. We can’t keep electing the same politicians over and over and expect things to change. I’m running because we need a new generation of leaders who are willing to fight to unrig the system and make life more affordable for hardworking Philadelphians.