Friend – see that little girl in the photo? That’s me! Way before I had the honor of serving Michiganders in Congress and launching this battleground campaign to be Michigan’s next U.S. senator. I was about 12 or 13 years old there.

But don’t be fooled by school picture day (and my trendy beaded necklace). Growing up as the daughter of small-business owners – Mom and Dad had their own landscaping business – I was always around a lot of dirt, grease, grime, and heavy machinery. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

My parents taught me the value of hard work – a value that binds all of us in Michigan together. After all, we’re the state that built America. The state that built the middle class.

In fact, do you know what one of my favorite memories is from growing up? When I got the keys to my first car, a used Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. That car represented the newfound freedom of teenage years. But it was more to me than just that – it also meant I had a piece of Michigan.

I love Michigan. I love the people here. And I love that I’ve been able to fight for my state in Congress. But as I’ve traveled our state recently, it’s clear that the people I love are afraid. They’re afraid because of the chaos and uncertainty that Donald Trump and the GOP are inflicting upon our nation.

All across our state, I hear concerns about rising costs, fear of uncertainty in our auto industry, and worries about the future of Social Security and Medicare. And you better believe people are outright disturbed by Trump’s attacks on our democracy and personal freedoms. This fear, uncertainty, and chaos – all of it is unacceptable.

That’s why I’m running for U.S. Senate. I’m ready to fight for the people I love and help block Trump’s dangerous agenda. But the path to the Senate majority runs right through Michigan – and this battleground race is being called a “Toss Up” by election experts.

Friend, I need your support to reach my $100,000 pre-holiday goal and continue reaching out to voters and win in Michigan. Will you chip in $5, $25, or whatever you can to my grassroots campaign?

Thank you,

Haley Stevens