I figure there’s a pretty good chance I’m not the only candidate to email you asking for your support this week. I might not even be the only one to email you in the last 15 minutes!

That means the burden’s on me to show why our campaign is different, and why sending along $5 to help us out is a good use of your money when you could just as easily donate it to a different cause, buy yourself a coffee, or put it toward your grocery budget. So, if you don’t mind reading for another couple minutes, here are five reasons to consider making a contribution to our fight here in Kansas:

1) If we lose, I will be replaced by an anti-choice extremist. The Kansas GOP’s new platform would ban abortion, ban IVF, ban same-sex marriage, and block access to affordable health care for low-income families. So if they succeed in defeating me, that’s the agenda my replacement will be advancing in Congress.

2) If we win, we’ll have our very best shot at reinstating abortion rights in all 50 states. Here’s why: right now, House Republicans have just a four-seat majority in Congress. That’s as slim as it gets, and they know that to stay in power, they’ll have to defeat some Democratic incumbents — and I’m at the top of their list of targets. So if we hold this seat, and flip just four more, we’ll have a pro-choice majority in the House of Representatives.

3) I’ve gotten a lot done for Kansas, despite a historically dysfunctional Congress. Just two weeks ago, I secured a major federal investment to replace lead pipes and ensure clean water for Kansas families. I’ve also worked with Republicans and Democrats to bring good-paying clean-energy jobs to our district, reduce gun violence, provide more support for farmers and ranchers, and reduce drug costs for seniors. The Kansas GOP wants me to run away from my record, but I’m proudly running on it instead.

4) I broke the mold to get where I am today — and I’m determined to help others break through the barriers holding them back. If you had asked most people a few years ago whether an openly LGBTQ+, Native American woman who was raised by a single mom had a shot of flipping a congressional seat in Kansas, they would have said no way. But here I am, and I’m fighting so that every American, no matter their background, can pursue their dreams.

5) Candidly, we’ve got our work cut out for us. That’s just the math of the situation. KS-03 is one of the closest, most competitive seats in the country. Two top super PACs have said defeating me is a top priority, and money is pouring into the race from anti-abortion activists and election deniers. That all adds up to a lot — and the only way we can fight back against all of it is with a massive show of grassroots support (which is why I have to send you emails like this…)

So, what do you say? Does this sound like a mission worth investing $5 in? If it does, and you’re ready to help me hold this critical seat in this next election, I’d be so grateful for your support →

Thanks for your time, and for everything you do to support our fight. I don’t take it for granted.

-Sharice