Friend, when I first met Kirsten Gillibrand, she was a young lawyer running for Congress in a district with more cows than Democrats.

Defeating a deeply entrenched GOP incumbent in a tough red district is no easy task. Truthfully, there weren't many people who thought she could pull it off. But on election night in 2006, people everywhere learned to never — ever — count Kirsten out. (For the record, I'm proud to be one of her earliest believers.)

Since that first election, Kirsten has proven herself time and time again as a fierce, bold advocate for families around America. The minute she was sworn in as our junior senator, I gained an incredible partner. During our time serving in the Senate, we've worked together on countless pieces of legislation, secured millions in federal funding for vital social programs and proudly fought for progress as a united team.

As Kirsten's colleague and friend — and as our Senate majority leader — take it from me: We need Kirsten's voice in the Senate. But following a red wave in New York in 2022, Republicans are already targeting her seat for defeat.

As her mid-month deadline rapidly approaches, we need all hands on deck. That's why I'm personally reaching out. Please, friend, will you donate $5 or more right now to help defend Kirsten's must-win seat? Your support today would mean so much to both of us.

There are few people in Washington who work harder than Kirsten. She's expanded veterans' benefits, won justice for survivors of sexual abuse and cracked down on illegal gun trafficking. Together, we secured long overdue reforms to our military justice system — ensuring that our service members can seek justice without fear of retaliation. Now, Kirsten is fighting to guarantee paid family leave for all Americans and finally add the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution.

Kirsten is getting the job done — and Republicans are taking notice. They know how much of a threat Kirsten is to their far-right agenda. That's why they'll do everything within their power to defeat her. 

New York Republicans celebrated their best election cycle in decades in 2022. Their extremist candidates flipped enough seats in the midterms to win control of the House. Now, they're trying to defeat Kirsten to take back the Senate too. 

I know that Kirsten has what it takes to overcome the odds and defeat whichever radical right-wing extremist runs against her — she's done it before. But Kirsten is counting on grassroots support to take on the GOP. That's why I'm personally asking you to make a donation to Kirsten's campaign before midnight tonight. Our Senate majority is on the line in New York, friend. Please, will you chip in now?

Thank you so much for your support,

Chuck Schumer
Senate Majority Leader