John,

As our nation's 250th birthday approaches, I can't help but think of Thomas Paine's words — that these are times that try men’s souls.

But the truth is, America has always been a story of trying times and the ongoing struggle to live up to the ideals of our founders. That struggle has defined my nearly three decades of public service. And through all of it, I've had one guiding principle: Love.

In 1997, I joined the Urban Justice Center as a staff attorney in Newark. That work convinced me I needed to do more — so I ran against a four-term Municipal Council incumbent and won. In that first campaign, love drove me to go on a hunger strike to draw attention to the suffering of the most vulnerable in our city.

Love empowered me to run for Newark's mayor, even as opponents called me a carpetbagger and said I was "not Black enough" to understand the city. When I came up short that first time, I didn't stop — I founded nonprofits like Newark Now to provide residents with real resources and services. No early failure slowed my drive. When I got another shot, the people of Newark elected me to serve them as mayor. And eventually, that same love — for my city, my state, and my country — led me to run for the U.S. Senate.

Love continues to guide me every single day. It's what carries me through moments when the nation feels consumed by hate and division.

I began this journey 30 years ago fighting upstream, barely getting anyone to listen. I'm still fighting — and I plan to keep going as long as folks like you are with me.

Now we have a chance to flip the Senate and see love prevail. So John, I'm humbly asking: Will you pitch in $10 or more to help Senate Democrats take back the majority and keep love on the agenda?.

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Over three decades, I've seen ups and downs, wins and losses. Will you help us end this chapter with a win?

With love and gratitude,

Cory