Friends -

The things I want in life are not exotic. I think most people feel the same way.

I want loving relationships with my family. I want to help my constituents, and I want an America that lives up to its ideals.

Growing up poor, this country took a chance on me.

I took advantage of the things Democrats championed and the people of our country provided: Pell Grants and school lunch programs, to name just two.

Those helping hands gave me (and people like me) a debt of gratitude I worked to pay back through service — first in the Marines, and now in Congress.

The truth is, Senator Sinema has been an advocate for the rich and powerful in the Senate.

But those folks have enough advocates there.

It’s the people deciding between groceries and utilities who need help.

That’s why I am running.

But if we’re going to win this race, it is going to take a historic grassroots effort.

I couldn’t get to where I am in life without help. And I can’t win this race either. It’s going to take all of us to win. So I am asking:

Can I count on you to split $10 between Linda Sánchez and our Senate campaign? I would not be asking if it was not so terribly important.

Thank you,

Ruben