OPINION:
In this season of gratitude, I find myself reflecting on this incredible journey and the privilege of serving the people of Arizona in Congress.
Every day I walk into the Capitol, I am reminded that this responsibility is not simply a job. It is a mission. It is a commitment to defend the values that made our country the greatest force for good the world has ever known. For me, it started during my military service.
First and foremost, I am thankful for my constituents who entrusted me with this honor. The people of Arizona inspire me daily with their grit, patriotism and faith and their belief in the promise of America. They remind me what we are fighting for: families who want safe streets and great schools, small-business owners who want an economy that rewards work, veterans who want their service respected, parents who want to raise their children without government interference.
These are the men and women who fuel my work and strengthen my resolve.
Every time I meet with a constituent, I feel a renewed commitment to carry their voice to Washington. They are the engine of this nation. They are the foundation of everything we fight for. I will never forget that I work for them.
I am also thankful for my colleagues in Congress who stand alongside me in this fight for the future of our country. We come from different states and different backgrounds, but we are united by a shared belief that America is worth protecting.
I am proud to serve with men and women who understand that freedom must be defended, prosperity earned and the Constitution always upheld. At a time when cynicism is easy, these colleagues inspire me with their strength and relentless dedication to doing what is right.
Serving in Congress has shown me that our battles are not abstract. Every vote cast is a choice about the direction of our nation. Every debate is a test of our willingness to stand firm. Every policy fight is about defending our citizens from a federal government that has grown too intrusive, too costly and too far removed from the hardworking people it was created to serve.
This is why I am especially thankful for President Trump. His leadership, courage and unwavering commitment to putting America first have strengthened our country beyond measure. He is not afraid to confront entrenched interests, global elites or the media establishment. He stands with working families, not the bureaucrats. He stands with our law enforcement, not the criminals. He stands with our allies, not the dictators. And he stands with the American people even when it is unpopular or difficult.
I am proud to stand with Mr. Trump as we work to restore economic strength, secure our borders, rebuild our military, defend our constitutional freedoms and return power to the people. Arizona understands the stakes.
This moment demands courage. It demands leaders who will tell the truth, stand firm and put the country above the politics of the day. I am thankful that the people of Arizona have allowed me to be one of those leaders. I do not take their trust lightly. I know my vote is their voice, and I will always use it to defend their freedoms, protect their families and fight for their future.
I am also thankful for the countless Americans across this country who have not given up on our system, our Constitution or our future. They show up to school board meetings, start small businesses, volunteer in their communities, serve in our military and raise patriotic families who believe in the promise of this nation. They are the heartbeat of America. They are the reason we fight.
As I look ahead to the coming year, I do so with optimism. Not because our challenges are small but because the American spirit is strong.
So, this season, I say thank you to many. Thank you to my family for always having my back. Thank you to my constituents for believing in me. Thank you to my colleagues for standing shoulder to shoulder with me. Thank you to my staff for working alongside me to serve our constituents, and thank you to Mr. Trump for leading with conviction and courage.
Most of all, thank you to the American people for reminding us every day what makes this country worth fighting for. We will keep fighting together and continue building a stronger America for generations to come. Happy Thanksgiving!
• Rep. Abraham J. Hamadeh represents Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.
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