John, I'm running for U.S. Senate, where only two Black women have served before, because representation matters. 

When a senator says white nationalists are "unfairly" labeled racist, representation matters. When a congressman calls Black Americans "colored," representation matters. 

Because when people who look like me are left out of the room where decisions are made, it becomes far too easy to look past grotesque comments like these. And we should be holding our lawmakers to higher standards than that – we've got to.

John, I'm running for Senate, where there are currently no Black women serving, because as a Black woman and a fierce advocate for the voiceless, I am sick and tired of watching lawmakers get away scot-free for their blatantly racist comments and actions. And if you're tired too, I invite you to join me:

So please, friend, 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?

For decades, Black women have been the backbone of the political process.

The Democratic Party has used our stories. Our faces. We have played pivotal roles in the last handful of elections – constantly throwing our support behind this party that we believe in. 

And yet, we still remain severely underrepresented. John, earlier in this email I told you that there have only been two African American women senators in U.S. history, but did you know that together they've served for a total of just 10 years? 

Representation matters. 

That's why I'm counting on your support to help me become the nation's next Black, female senator. But right now, this primary is nearing a statistical tie, so please:

Will you chip in $5 or more to my campaign right now so I can pull ahead in the polls and continue my work to build a progressive future for all in the Senate?

Barbara Lee