This is a huge update, friend: Early voting is underway in Georgia, with folks showing up in record numbers to cast their ballots – but a brand-new poll shows that unelected Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R) has taken the lead in this race: 49% to 48%.

Moments like this are a reckoning. This isn't the time to panic. This is the time to act. Here's what we've got to do now that we're 1 point down. Ramp up – everywhere. TV, radio, digital, on-the-ground organizing efforts – we've got to give it our all.

But right now, we're still $66,348 away from our critical daily fundraising goal, and if grassroots folks like you don't help us close this gap by midnight tonight, we won't be able to execute our plans, fight back against GOP attacks and win this runoff election.

The future of the Senate all comes down to what we do right now. We can look at the poll showing us down 1 and read reports of unprecedented Republican spending against us, and feel defeated 16 days out from the election. Or, friend, we can give this fight everything we've got, summon our courage to act and flip Georgia blue. So what will it be?

If you're with me, please make a contribution of $5 or more right now – anything, truly, that you can spare by our crucial midnight deadline – so we can win in Georgia and take back the Senate.

In a race this close, every single vote – and every single dollar we spend to reach voters where they're at – could be the difference between victory and defeat. That's why your support is so critical. I'm so grateful to you for pitching in.

Thanks for stepping up,

Raphael