Hey there — I admit this email is on the longer side. I hope you’ll read the whole thing, but I wouldn’t hold it against you if you only skimmed it. You have other things going on, too.

Here’s the deal: our online fundraising this spring has slowed down. We were hoping for, and counting on, the opposite — donations usually pick up steam as we get closer to the election. So if you could help us turn things around by pitching in $10, I’d really appreciate it, Friend.

But I also want to make this clear: I’m not just expecting you to donate because our campaign needs help reaching a fundraising goal. I’m asking for your support today because I believe in this team, this mission, and this work — and I’m hoping that, after I explain why, you will believe in it too.

First, the stakes. We’re just three seats away from flipping control of the House of Representatives, but if we lose this seat here in KS-03, that road becomes a LOT tougher. So this race could be the one that makes the difference between an all-out, nationwide abortion ban or a federal law protecting  the right to choose in all 50 states.

Second, my record. Chaos and dysfunction are more likely to make front-page news, but I’m proud of what I’ve been able to get done for the people of Kansas. Working with both Republicans and Democrats, I’ve passed legislation to lower drug costs for seniors, fund critical infrastructure projects in our state, take real action to combat climate change, tackle the epidemic of gun violence, deliver critical resources for Kansas’ rural communities, and codify same-sex marriage rights into federal law.

There’s a lot more work to do — but believe me when I say I’m determined to get it done because accomplishing real change that helps people is the whole point of holding office.

Third, my voice, and how I use it. When I flipped a seat in Kansas to get elected, I’m proud to say I broke the mold for what people think of when they picture Congress. After all, I’m an LGBTQ+ Native American woman and former MMA fighter who was raised by a single mom and worked multiple jobs to pay my own way through school. That gives me a unique voice in Washington, and I’m determined to use it to deliver real progress for the people of Kansas.

Finally, Friend, there’s this cold, hard reality: this race figures to be one of the closest, hardest-fought, and most expensive in the entire country. The leading GOP super PACs have named this district a top target, and some have even started running digital ads attacking me.

Frankly, if that weren’t the case, I probably wouldn’t have had to send you this email. But this election really is that competitive, which means we can’t afford to fall behind on our fundraising.

Friend, if you’ve read this far, thank you. And if, after reading all that, you’re on board with this fight and what it’s all about, I’d be so grateful for any support you can provide.

Thanks so much. I appreciate you, Friend.

—Sharice