John, for decades, Black women have been expected to do double the amount of work with half the funding. And earlier this month, Ms. Magazine dug into why. 

The article found that Black women candidates on average raise just one-third as much money as white women – a metric that has become painfully clear in the fundraising deficit in this race. And, while Black women candidates put our campaign contributions to work as efficiently as possible, there's only so many miracles that we can pull off. 

That's why the article highlighted our campaign and called on people to not only elevate Black women leaders and candidates like me, but to invest in us as well – and I'm here to echo that call.

John, right now, I'm facing a steep fundraising deficit in what pundits are saying is likely to be the most expensive Senate primary in history, and I'm counting on you to invest in me. I need to raise at least $15,000 before midnight to get back on track, so please: Can I count on you to chip in whatever you can spare to my campaign for progress?

John, there is only one reason why a Black woman with decades of progressive experience in politics would lose this primary: Money. 

Because I have proven time and time again, in more ways that I can count, that I will never waver in my fight for progress. Even if it means standing alone as the sole dissenting vote against what I know is wrong, I will always use my voice to defend those who have been voiceless for far too long.

But I'm not naïve, John. I know that if I don't have the money to compete in this race, I can't win – and I know that as a Black woman, fundraising will always be harder for me. But that doesn't mean that we should give up.

Stacey Abrams, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Carol Moseley Braun have all endorsed my run for Senate because they too are familiar with the barriers that women like us face – and now, I'm calling on you to endorse my run too. I need more investments in my race for progress, so please:

Will you donate $5 or more right now to help send me to the Senate so I can build a progressive future that works for all?

Thank you for hearing me out.

Barbara Lee