Friend — Independence Day is most often a moment of celebration and taking time to be with friends and loved ones.

But this Fourth of July, I find myself reflecting on our nation, our democracy, and the urgent stakes for our future. This message is a bit on the longer side, but I hope you'll give it a read because in many ways, it demonstrates why this campaign is a love letter to America.

When I was just 14, my mom emigrated our family from Ecuador to the United States. We shared a one room apartment, and Mom worked double shifts as a home health care provider. I pitched in working at a doughnut shop. My mom was driven by the promise of the American dream — that my sister and I would have every opportunity to succeed because of the freedoms that the United States enshrines in our constitution. 

This was a stark contrast from what I grew up in and what my mom experienced in Ecuador. We saw corrupt politicians prevent any true liberty. But America was a promise. A promise of opportunity to do anything and be anything we set our minds to.

Life in the United States granted me the opportunity of education. I've had the privilege to build a beautiful life here in the Sunshine State. I fell in love here, found the community I had longed for, raised a family of my own, and dedicated my career to serving this state. I've helped protect the Everglades, expanded access to health care, worked for Florida International University, and became the first South American immigrant elected to Congress, all right here in Florida.

But with the Supreme Court's unconscionable ruling earlier this week — which granted presidents immunity from criminal prosecution — I can't help but be worried for the future of our nation. 

Look, like so many who came from Latin America, I know what it’s like when strongmen authoritarians like Donald Trump are given a free pass to do as they please. The Supreme Court just cleared the way for Trump or any other president to implement an authoritarian agenda as they see fit. It is moving us away from democracy and toward tyranny. 

Having come to America for the promise of democracy, I refuse to just stand by as extremists undermine our fundamental freedoms. I refuse to let my own children grow up with fewer freedoms than I had at their age. And I will not let my opponent, Sen. Rick Scott, hand over the future of our nation to Donald Trump on a silver platter. 

Elections have consequences. Period. The freedoms that are disappearing before our eyes are a direct result of Rick Scott and Donald Trump confirming Supreme Court justices who are eviscerating our rights and acting contrary to the constitution. 

In the face of such a make-or-break moment for our democracy, the love for my nation is stronger than ever. This Independence Day resolves me to be a beacon for change and protect our cherished democratic institutions — protect that promise of opportunity my family sought out as immigrants. 

But I cannot win this fight alone, friend. We're up against a megamillionaire who spent $64 million of his personal fortune to buy this seat last time. If we're going to break through Rick Scott's lies, build unstoppable grassroots momentum, and defend our democracy, I'll need your help. 

Please, will you donate $5 (or whatever you can spare today) to help me defeat Rick Scott and save our democracy from right-wing extremists like him and Donald Trump? This will be the year that we flip Florida blue, but only if grassroots activists like you believe in my campaign.

My heart is with our nation today. My fight is for this nation, and for Florida, always. Thank you for doing your part for this grassroots movement we've built together.

Debbie