As you may know, my mentor was Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress. She always told me that when there isn't a place for you at the table, you bring a folding chair, and you make sure that it’s there to stay. And that's exactly what this campaign is about, friend.

Because for decades, Black women have been the backbone of the Democratic Party. They have 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. In fact, since 1789, there have only been two Black women elected to the Senate – Vice President Kamala Harris and former Senator Carol Moseley Braun. Together, they served a total of just 10 years.

Maybe that’s why, when people think about what a senator looks like, they don’t think of a Black woman with decades of experience like me. Instead, and, you wouldn’t believe how many times I've heard this on the campaign trail, they think of someone who looks like my opponent, Adam Schiff.

But we have the opportunity to change that, friend.

I'm ready to take my fight for justice to the Senate where my lived experience as a Black woman making change for Californians will give a voice to those who are currently voiceless. And right now, I'm within 3 points of qualifying for the general election, so I'm counting on you to help me make history by powering this campaign to victory.

So if you’re ready to help me win this race, make history as just the third African American woman elected to the Senate and continue my work to build a progressive future for all of us, will you chip in $5 now?

Thank you for your support.

Barbara Lee