John,

My entire life has been about breaking barriers.

I was the girl who at 15 worked with the NAACP to integrate her high school cheerleading team so that girls of color could earn a spot on the team for the first time.

I was the young woman who escaped a violent marriage and became a single mom, a homeless mom, a mom who received public assistance, who couldn't afford child care and brought her kids to class with her so she could graduate college and give them a better life.

But through it all, I was the girl who never gave up. And it's that drive and determination that brought me all the way from my segregated hometown to the halls of Congress where I'm proud to serve today. 

That's why I'm running for U.S. Senate now, and why I fully intend to win this race, John: because I'm not ready to give up just yet. From tackling homelessness to safeguarding our democracy and reproductive rights, there's so much more to be done. And with your help, we can build a progressive future that works for all of us, together. 

So please, John, will you rush $5 or more right now to help me make history as the third Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate and continue my lifelong work to build a progressive future for all of us?

Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you.

– Barbara Lee