Kirsten Gillibrand Announces Candidacy for President

Last night, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that she has launched an exploratory committee to run for president. In a series of tweets, she wrote:

I believe this country needs a movement rooted in compassion and courage. We want an America defined by strength of character, not weakness of ego. We need to protect our basic rights and fight for better health care, education, and jobs. And I believe I'm the woman for the job.

The campaign we're building will have one core mission: restoring power to people. I won't accept contributions from corporate PACs or federal lobbyists, and I'm not afraid to take on Trump, special interests, or any powerful system — never have been.

Our movement is about lifting voices that have been ignored for too long. That means taking institutional racism and injustice head-on — in our politics, health care, education, and economy. Let's show what we can build with determination and optimism, rather than hatred and fear.

This is a moment in history when none of us can stay silent. We have to rise up and reclaim our values. At such a time as this, we all have to ask ourselves: What will we do?

I'll fight, and I'll fight with everything I have. It would mean so much if you joined me.

I believe I'm the woman for the job. I like that!

Gillibrand joins Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren as female senators who are running for president in 2020. If Amy Klobuchar announces, that will be four female senators competing for the Democratic nomination, and I am really excited about that.

Yesterday, I saw an LA Times headline reading: "Kirsten Gillibrand to enter presidential race featuring record number of women." And all I could think was how different the tone of that headline will be when it reads: "Bernie Sanders to enter presidential race featuring record number of women."

Sanders and Joe Biden have both been using that old line about how they'll only run if they think no one better positioned to defeat Trump runs. As the women throw their hats into the ring, do those dudes really want to join the fray on a message that they think none of the women can win? Maybe just sit this one out, fellas.

Anyway. Congratulations to Senator Gillibrand on her shiny new campaign, and I hope she curses up a storm along the campaign trail!