Friend, 103 years ago, a grassroots movement of women led by champions like Susan B. Anthony and Ida B. Wells won the right to vote after fighting for decades.

Decades later, Black organizers in the South would follow in these brave women's footsteps. They'd give everything so that Black Americans could also have a voice in shaping our nation's future.

That's why, today, we celebrate Women's Equality Day – because we can't forget that democracy as we know it today didn't come naturally. It took decades of struggle, sacrifice, and a belief in what our nation could be.

So, no – our democracy has never been perfect. But because of some remarkably brave Americans, we've gotten a heck of a lot closer.

Friend, that's why it devastates me to see the modern-day GOP fight to move us backward to a time when only wealthy white men had a voice.

When Republicans work to pass racist voter ID laws or limit voting methods, they're ensuring that the only ones who can vote are the ones who will keep them in power. In Texas, sadly, we've seen the worst of this.

As Senator, I'll never stop fighting until every American's fundamental right to cast a vote is secured and protected.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I'm so grateful to have you on my team.

– Colin