In the Boston Herald yesterday Rep. Lynch claimed that I didn’t prepare myself for this run. He thinks that I’m in this fight on a whim because I woke up “and saw a congressman in the mirror.” He’s completely wrong, and out-of-touch, as usual. Here’s what brought me to this race:

I was raised to believe that the best thing we can do is care for those around us. It’s why I became a doctor. It’s why I built the Transgender Health Program. It’s why I’m running for Congress.

That work takes preparation. It takes 7 years of graduate school, nearly a decade of clinical practice, and a lifetime of listening to those most marginalized to lift them up and ensure their voices are heard.

I came prepared for this campaign. I came armed with the data of how this district has changed. And, I came with the energy to connect with people in every corner of the district. Unfortunately, I think the Congressman is not prepared for such a formidable challenger.

He is also not ready to accept the facts - his stances no longer fit the district. This is a district that has changed and wants a representative that fights for reproductive justice, believes that healthcare is a human right, and understands the impact of structural racism.

Rep. Lynch is right - I don’t look in the mirror in the morning and see a Congressman. I see a man who knows how to invest in my neighbors. I see a doctor who works tirelessly to make sure his patients can live a healthy life. I see someone who fights every day for what is right.

What I don’t see is someone who would mirror the actions of Congressman Lynch - a representative who is “relevant in people’s lives” only in his refusal to hear their concerns.

As I travelled the district over the past 10 months to Democratic Town Committees, Caucuses, community organizations, and door-to-door I have heard countless stories of how disconnected Rep. Lynch is from the pressing issues.

Congressman Lynch has refused to hold Town Halls, refused to answer phone calls and emails, and refused to show up when it matters.