Friend, I’ve mentioned before that I was raised by a single Army mom. But something you may not know about me is that I used to be a first-generation college student.

I say “used to be,” because my mom — after spending more than 20 years in the Army — went back to school and earned her degree a few years after I earned mine.

My mom taught me the value of hard work, and the importance of serving both your country and your community. And she taught me never to let any artificial barrier stand in the way.

Those are lessons I carried with me as I juggled multiple jobs to pay my own way through school — and after I graduated, when I went to work in economic and community development on Native American reservations.

I carried them with me when I flipped a Republican-held seat to become the first LGBTQ+ Native American ever elected to Congress.

And I carry them with me every day in this job, as I fight for my community and the values we share.

As we get closer and closer to Election Day, so much attention will get paid to the daily news cycle of election season — cable news headlines, attack ads, a lot of things that are pretty far removed from what’s on the mind of everyday Americans.

So I wanted to take this moment to share a bit with you about where I come from and why I’m in this fight. And if, after reading this, you feel like supporting me in this campaign, I’d be extremely grateful to have your help in getting my message out far and wide.

Thank you,

Sharice