John, this is Missy Cotter Smasal. I'm a Navy veteran, a former small business owner, and a mom running for Congress in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District — one of the most competitive districts in the country.

I want to share my story with you, but if you can't spare the time, will you split a $10 gift between EMILYs List and my campaign right now to help flip the House?

I've spent the last six months criss-crossing Coastal Virginia. Everywhere I go, I get asked: "Why are you running for Congress?"

Simply put, John: We need to protect our democracy this November. I'm proud to have served in the Navy, and I feel called to serve and protect our country again.

MAGA extremists — like my opponent, Jen Kiggans — have chosen politics over service.

They use servicemembers as political leverage while they leave veterans behind. They're hellbent on taking away our bodily autonomy. They allow the leader of their Party to attack the most fundamental aspects of our Constitution.

They cannot be trusted to defend our democracy.

So the long and short of it: I'm running to protect the democracy we hold dear.

I'm fired up and ready for the tough fight ahead. This race will be one of the most competitive in the country, and I know it will take a committed team to win.

I’m building a grassroots movement to win this fight and take on anti-democracy extremists in November. That’s why I’m humbly asking for your help, John.

Can you split a $10 contribution between EMILYs List and my campaign to help take on MAGA extremism this November? Your support will make a difference.

Thank you,

Missy