John, did you see me on CNN last night? As you know, I have said it’s insulting that Gov. Newsom would only appoint a Black woman as a caretaker for Sen. Feinstein's seat if it were to open up.

The idea that a Black woman should be appointed simply to check a box is insulting to countless Black women across this country who have carried the Democratic Party to victory election after election. Black women deserve more than token appointments that will only last a handful of months. If you agree, chip in $5 to my campaign to help me win this Senate race. >>

There are currently no Black women serving in the Senate. And since 1789, there have only been two Black woman senators, who have served a combined total of 10 years.

We need a Black woman in the Senate who will serve for more than just a few months – and Gov. Newsom should know better than to suggest otherwise. 

But even beyond that, the majority of California voters agree: A recent poll showed that Gov. Newsom should appoint someone who is prepared to run for a full Senate term in the 2024 election – not someone who will just serve as a seat-warmer.

John, this is not about me. I have always said that I am 100% focused on running for and winning the Senate seat the old fashioned way, with a people-powered campaign. But African American women deserve more than just a participation trophy or a temporary seat at the table, and it's my responsibility to echo their voices when no one else will.

That's why I'm running for Senate – and I intend to win. But truthfully, thanks to generations of systemic barriers that have been erected to keep Black women out of leadership, I can't get there alone. So I have to ask:

Will you donate any amount you can spare to my campaign so I can become our nation's third Black woman senator? 

– Barbara Lee