What does a backpack mean for a kid? It might not seem like much, but to a kid whose family can’t afford a backpack, it means everything. It’s not just a place to put your books or school things. It means being able to walk into a classroom and hold your head up high.

I didn’t grow up with a lot of opportunities so it took a lot of people in my life rallying around me — teachers, coaches, co-workers — to help me succeed. And their investments in me paid off. I became the first person in my family to go college — Virginia Tech on a football scholarship. Then all the way to playing in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers. I decided to give my word, my bond, that I would do the same for others and give back.

I came home and started Rouse’s House, a nonprofit that provides resources to students in need – including hundreds of backpacks full of school supplies to students across the city. I saw that, for too many, our local government wasn’t doing enough to help, so I stepped up to serve on the Virginia Beach City Council. I ran for State Senate and was a deciding vote to block the Republican assault on reproductive freedom. And now I’m taking on my biggest hurdle yet — running for Lieutenant Governor.

John, right now I am facing my campaign’s first end-of-quarter fundraising deadline. So, why does this deadline even matter? It’s our first and biggest opportunity to show Democrats across the Commonwealth that I’m the candidate that can take the gavel back from Republican Winsome Sears. I would love the opportunity to fight for Virginia’s bus drivers, parents, nurses, and every hard working person in-between, and you can help me get there with a donation of any amount today.

Virginia needs leaders who actually understand the challenges that working families face. Leaders who know how it feels to be the only kid without a backpack. With your support, I will be that leader.

Thanks for everything, John.

—Aaron