Effectiveness is built from experience. Louise Slaughter proved that to all of us. She had a long and distinguished career representing Rochester, first in the Monroe County Legislature, then the New York State Assembly, before spending more than 31 years in Congress. This work across three legislatures gave her the skills to get things done and change lives for the better. You knew her as Louise. I called her mom.

I’ve been reminded of her remarkable path over and over again in the three months since her passing. Going through the many boxes of memorabilia my parents amassed during their 57 years of marriage has been bittersweet. It has also been an education in their lifelong commitment to citizen action. My mom spoke often of how her time working in local and state legislatures made her a stronger, more effective representative of her neighbors in Congress. And she rarely made a big political decision — let alone a drive to Washington — without my father Bob by her side.

My mom believed her seat in Congress belonged not to her but to the people she represented. She appreciated an open campaign, but never ran against anyone, just on her own record. That’s how she believed candidates should be judged. So it’s how I’ve looked at the race to succeed her.

And it’s what led me to support Joe Morelle. In so many ways, his path mirrors my mom’s: a passion for community that led to a seat on the county legislature and service in the state assembly, with a strong and supportive spouse serving as a companion and compass along the way. Joe embodies so many of the values and characteristics my mom held dear: a commitment to progressive values, a deep-seated love for this community, and an impressive ability to get things done.

My mother was a strong and outspoken voice on the need to pass common-sense laws to address gun violence and she was grateful that Joe led the way to pass some of the toughest such laws anywhere in the country. They both believed healthcare was a fundamental human right and fought to strengthen and expand access to quality, affordable care for every person. Joe and my mom worked closely together to build an economy that embraces innovation and creates opportunity for all people, and they were committed to protecting our environment for future generations.

My mom’s top priority was ensuring our community had a seat at the table when decisions were made. She would want a strong fighter to continue to represent Monroe County with so much of what she cared about at stake in Washington. Joe is that person.

Joe, Don Deming and Louise campaigning.

I was reminded of that on March 16th, the day my mom died. Joe called me while I was at Reagan National Airport waiting to board a plane home to Rochester. He told me about how he first met my mom in 1981, when he was 24 years old, and she was working for then Lt. Governor Mario Cuomo. Mom told Joe back then that he should run for office. She saw in Joe the makings of a public servant of uncompromising character and strong values.

Time has proved her right. Joe is a fearless champion for everyone who calls this community home — and that is what carrying on Louise Slaughter’s legacy is truly about. As a woman, a mother, a wife, and a daughter, I know Joe Morelle is the right person to represent us in Congress.