John, today is National Teacher Appreciation Day!

I'm thinking of all the great teachers and coaches whose support got me to where I am today. I come from a long line of educators so I know how hard teachers work to help kids chase their version of the American dream.

My mom raised me on her own and taught in public schools to support us. In our house, education always came first. She taught me the joys of reading and of curiosity and emphasized that different perspectives don't have to be a bad thing, as long as we treat everyone with respect.

A big part of why I'm running against Ted Cruz to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate is to ensure that all kids have access to the same quality public education I had. Will you chip in today to help me get there so I can fight for our teachers, children, and hard-working Texas families?

For years, Ted Cruz has made it harder for teachers to teach and kids to learn. He's pushed outrageous book bans and worked to cut funding for public schools that sorely need it.

But it doesn't have to be this way. I know in my bones that Texans are ready for change – and experts agree we've got a real shot to unseat Ted Cruz. Recent polls show us TIED, but I need your help to pull ahead and win.

If you agree that Texas kids and families deserve better than Ted Cruz's extremist agenda, will you please chip in $5 or more to my campaign? It's going to take the most powerful grassroots movement Texas has ever seen to take down Ted Cruz, and I'm counting on you to be a part of it.

Thanks for your support – and happy Teacher Appreciation Day, John!

Colin