Look, John, there is no question that I'm the underdog in this race – but that's never stopped me before! I've never backed down from a tough fight, and I'm not starting now, but I need your help to win in California. →

You see, growing up in El Paso, Texas during the days of Jim Crow meant that I was never given the benefit of the doubt. In fact, I've been a bit of an underdog my whole life.

I was the underdog when I worked with the NAACP to integrate my high school girl’s cheerleading squad so that myself and other girls of color could earn our spots on the team.

I was the underdog when I attended Mills College and became president of the Black Student Union – all while receiving public assistance and raising my two boys. 

I was the underdog when I accepted my first job on Capitol Hill and worked my way up from an intern to chief of staff for Congressman Dellums – becoming one of the only women of color to hold a senior position on Capitol Hill.

I was the underdog in Congress, when I stood as the sole vote opposing the authorization for the use of military force following the horrific attacks on Sept. 11.

And yes, folks see me as the underdog now – and I still will be as only the third Black woman to ever serve in the Senate. 

I may be outraised by others in the race, but I don't need the most in this race to win – I just need enough to spread my message. So I have to ask, before my fundraising numbers for the quarter go public in just two weeks time:

Will you donate any amount you can spare now to help fuel my progressive campaign for Senate?

Thank you,

Barbara