Friend — we did it.

Thanks to the unwavering support of you and every member of this grassroots team, I'm officially the Democratic nominee in Florida's U.S. Senate race.

I couldn't be more overjoyed, or more grateful, for all you've done to help me get to this massive milestone in our people-powered movement to flip Florida blue. But from here on out, it's game time. 

In a race this close, against an opponent this rich, every cent you can give has a huge impact. If you're ready to retire Rick Scott, flip Florida, and keep the Senate blue, then I'm personally asking you to be one of my founding general election donors with a gift of $5 or more now.

Now, this was never going to be an easy race. But unlike my opponent, who can fund a campaign with his massive, unearned fortune, I'm used to doing things the hard way.

It wasn't easy for my family to leave behind everything and everyone we knew in Ecuador in search of a better life here in America. It wasn't easy getting up at the crack of dawn as a high schooler to go work in a donut shop and help my mom make ends meet. It wasn't easy paying my way through school to be a first-generation college graduate, becoming the first South American immigrant to serve in Congress, or even winning this primary race.

I never let those challenges stop me from fulfilling my dream — my American Dream — and finding ways to give back to the communities and the country that allowed me to get where I am today.

And the road to defeating Rick Scott in November won't be easy either. But based on everything we've accomplished so far (not to mention polls showing us statistically tied and his approval dropping with each passing day), I know we have what it takes to win.

All that being said, friend, I can't win this race alone. The finish line is now in sight, so as we enter this final sprint to Election Day, I need you in this fight alongside me now more than ever.

So can I please count on you to pitch in $5, $25, or anything you can spare, to help me win this race, defeat Rick Scott, and save our Senate majority? As a founding donor of my general election race, your support from here on out is the key to our success in November.

Nothing I do is possible without you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Debbie