State Senator Tony Vargas made his candidacy for Congress official today when he filed candidate paperwork with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

“Over the last decade in public office I’ve worked hard every day to make sure that people can have access to the same opportunities my parents gave me. Nebraskans deserve affordable, quality health care. They deserve jobs with living wages that support a family and allow each generation to have a little bit more. And they deserve a world-class education no matter where they’re born, because as my family can attest firsthand: education is the key to improving your life.

“I began this campaign for Congress because it’s time to set a new tone in our politics.. We can fight for what’s right – for policies that help people – and do it in a way that aligns with our values and still allows us to hold our heads up high. It’s what I’ve done my entire career, finding common ground even when we don’t agree, to get things done for Nebraskans. And it’s what I look forward to doing in Congress,” said Vargas.

Since announcing his campaign in July 2021, Vargas has built a competitive campaign that shows record strength in fundraising and early endorsements. Last week, Vargas announced he had raised over $700,000 in 2021, more than any first time candidate from any political party has raised in the year before the election.

Vargas has also announced endorsements from national and local elected officials, including former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey, BOLD Democrats, 314 Action, Latino Victory, Democrats Serve, and UFCW Local 293. Yesterday, he was one of only seven candidates across the country added to the New Democrat Coalition Action Fund Watch List, the largest coalition of Democrats in Congress.

“It’s going to take a broad coalition of supporters and voters to win this race and I am thrilled to have such a strong start to our campaign. It’s clearer than ever that Nebraskans are ready for strong, principled leadership that focuses on people first to represent them in Washington. That’s how I’ve led as a school board member and state senator, and it’s how I’ll represent Nebraska in Congress,” said Vargas.

Original source can be found here.