Friend, I'm writing to ask you to chip in $15 to help me defeat Ted Cruz and expand our Democratic Senate majority, but first, I want to explain why this is so important.

I'm running to defeat Ted Cruz because, as a fourth-generation Texan, I know our state deserves better. Everything Ted Cruz does is for Ted Cruz – when I’m in the Senate, everything I do will be to help people like you. And only with you on my team will we have a real chance to win this thing.

But here's the problem: Ted Cruz's mega-donor allies are set to funnel millions into his campaign to keep Texas red – and he's already launching attacks against me.

It might not seem like much, but your $15 will make a huge difference in our ability to fight back and win. I don't take a cent from corporate PACs – because I believe elected officials should serve their voters, not special-interest lobbyists – so I'm truly relying on your grassroots support.

Just in the short time since I launched my campaign, experts at Cook Political report increased our chances of flipping this seat – and we've got to take advantage of this momentum. That's why I'm personally asking, friend:

Please, can I count on you to chip in $15 to split between my campaign and American Bridge PAC? Let's take down Ted Cruz, flip Texas blue and expand our Senate majority – together.

This is what a grassroots movement is all about: thousands of people just like you feeling inspired to join this fight and giving whatever you can, whenever you can. I'm humbled to have your support.

– Colin