Friend, did you know just two generations separate a baker born in Mexico (my grandfather) and the first Latina elected to the U.S. Senate? Let me tell you a little bit about how that happened.

My family's story is like so many others in Nevada and across the country. My grandparents came here looking to build a better life for their kids. We didn't come from money, but back then, hard work and determination were enough to build a good life. Things are a lot tougher today.

My dad didn’t finish college, but he worked his way up from parking cars on the Strip to give our family a better future. Both he and my mom were very active in our community, and I think that's where I learned to value public service. His door was always open; no problem was too big or too small.

In school, I fell in love with the law, and in particular the way it could be used to help others. I worked behind the scenes for a while – first as a law clerk, then an attorney and eventually in our governor's office – before deciding to run for attorney general of Nevada and, eight years later, for the U.S. Senate.

During the campaign, I knew that if I won I would be Nevada's first female senator, but I actually didn't realize I would also be our country's first Latina senator until someone else brought it up. Of course, neither of those things are the point – which is to help as many Nevada families as I can – but they're important milestones, especially for the next generation.

Because that's what America is all about. If you work hard and play by the rules, you should have a chance to succeed. And when you do, you reach out to help the next person. If any part of that resonates with you, will you please donate before my end-of-month deadline to help me keep fighting?

Here's the link – I truly appreciate anything you can spare today: 
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cortezmasto-digital

¡La lucha sigue! The fight continues!

Catherine