As a public official, I acknowledge that for our government to be most effective and for our country to thrive, those entrusted with public power must strive to act and speak with basic human decency. I recognize that basic human decency is a civic responsibility that transcends political party, ideology, and personal ambition.

 

I will strive to consistently meet the following standards:

 

• Respect for All: I will treat every person, including political opponents, with respect and dignity, regardless of their economic or social status, political party, religious affiliation or ideological beliefs. I will avoid rhetoric and conduct that demeans, dehumanizes, or needlessly inflames.

 

• Integrity & Honesty: I will be truthful and honor my commitments. I will to the best of my ability, support and defend the impartial application of the laws of the United States and will endeavor to avoid making decisions that are arbitrary or capricious.

 

• Honor: I will prioritize identifying and solving problems to improve the lives of my constituents. I will weigh the institutional and human impacts of my actions and will seek to avoid partisan obstruction that does not serve the public interest. I will not knowingly mistreat, exploit, or neglect the people I serve.

 

• Humility & Accountability: I commit to giving credit where credit is due, owning my mistakes, attempting to remedy any harm caused, and pursuing continuous improvement in my public conduct.

 

• Responsible Affiliation: I will exercise reasonable judgment to avoid unnecessary alignment with individuals or organizations whose conduct consistently violates the principles of basic human decency described above.

 

I pledge a sincere, good-faith effort to model these values in my public service in order to strengthen trust, improve the functioning of government, and support the health of our democracy.