Friend, when our Texas tour took us through Brownsville, I made a stop at my grandparents' old house, where my mom and aunt grew up.

When I was a kid, our summer vacation every year was driving down to Brownsville to see my grandparents. I hated the eight-hour drive – got carsick pretty much every time – but I loved being here. This was home. 

My grandfather fought in the Navy during the Second World War and then became a customs officer. He and my grandmother settled in Brownsville and raised their family right here in this house. They were Texans through and through – hardworking, loyal, generous, and kind.

Those are the values I grew up with, and they're not Democratic or Republican values. They're rooted in simple human decency, something that's too often missing from politics these days. I believe we're more alike than we are different – that most of us want the same things: good schools, affordable health care, and a job that lets us support our families.

But Ted Cruz is constantly pitting Texans against each other. His brand of divisive extremism is not who we are, and that's why I'm running to defeat him. With you on my team, I know we can do it, so please, will you chip in to help me fire Ted Cruz? →

From Dallas to Brownsville, Houston to El Paso, and everywhere in between – I'm running to be a voice for all Texans in the Senate. Experts agree we've got a real chance: CNN named Ted Cruz the most vulnerable Republican Senator on the ballot, and Inside Elections says Texas is a battleground.

But it's going to take a powerful grassroots movement to do it, and I'm counting on you to be a part of it, friend. That's why I'm humbly asking:

Will you please give $5, $25, or any amount before my midnight fundraising deadline to power this grassroots movement so we can defeat Ted Cruz and give Texans the leadership we deserve in the Senate? →

Any amount you can spare makes a difference and is truly appreciated. Thanks for being on my team.

– Colin