Friend,

Tomorrow, America will turn the page for good. It will be day one of a brighter, bolder and more inclusive country when we swear in Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as president and vice president of the United States.

You know what it took to get us here. You're a member of one of the strongest grassroots teams in politics. We fought hard to ensure Joe Biden has the majorities in Congress his administration needs to govern boldly – and I'm ready to get to work to pass legislation this country urgently needs: everything from economic relief, bolstering affordable health care, to finally passing gun safety reform. 

But as hopeful as I am, and as hard as I'm willing to fight, we've got to stay grounded in reality. Just because President Donald Trump has been impeached – twice – and will no longer occupy the Oval Office doesn't mean his dangerous brand of extremism will cease to exist. A majority of House Republicans voted in favor of overturning our free and fair election, helping to mount a violent insurrection on our Capitol. Even worse, the House GOP is in an extremely strong position to win back the majority – a move that could spell disaster on every front, from Joe Biden's agenda to the future of our democratic norms and institutions. 

Look, friend, we've got to be ready to defend our majority – to protect our nation from the extremism of the GOP – from day one. That's why our campaign is launching a new Day One Membership drive to raise the grassroots funds we need to protect our Democratic House majority. We've set a goal to raise $15,000 on Inauguration Day – so will you give $5 or more now to activate your Day One Membership and keep the House blue?

If we're ready from day one, if we show Republicans that we won't rest in our efforts to build back better, then we will retain our majorities in Congress – mark my words. But if we ignore the threat House Republicans pose, if we let them get away with their extremism today and tomorrow and for months to come, then we won't stand a chance. 

Friend, tomorrow is a new day. I'm hopeful, and I'm ready to do what it takes, from day one, to heal our nation. Can I count on you to stand by my side? Donate $5 or more now – whatever you can spare will help a great deal toward our new grassroots goal – to become a Day One Member and protect our Democratic House majority!

Thank you very much.

Congresswoman Val Demings