I'm in the Washington Post​ today, where I was interviewed for a story about what unites us as Americans. When I feel the frustration of political division, I remember that we are a young country, and that we are bound as Americans--simply through our presence in this country--by our shared sense of exploration, innovation, and courage.

On National Coming Out Day, I want to wish good luck and lots of courage to anyone who is coming out to their family or friends today. If you are someone who has taken the brave leap to openly identify as someone outside the heterosexual norm, you have so much to be proud of.

As a leader in Nebraska, I will always keep my commitment to supporting the economic security and well-being of all workers in our great state.

You know the slogan, “Women’s rights are human rights?” Well, women’s rights are economic rights, too. In the Nebraska Legislature, I will lead the fight against any attempt to defund reproductive healthcare providers. I am proud of my track record of standing up for women’s rights from the home to the office, and I will bring that experience to our state leadership to work for all women in Nebraska.

I’m running for office because I see so many people my age who struggle to become engaged and feel acknowledged in our civic process, and I don’t want the next generation to experience the same frustration. I will always support Alice, a 7th-generation Nebraskan, in whatever she chooses to do—going away to school, traveling, working, creating, as long as she is pursuing what makes her happy. But I wouldn’t be keeping my commitment as a mother if I didn’t do everything I could to make this a place where she, and all other young people, could be happy to call home.