Team,

In a moment, I’m going to ask if you can chip in a few bucks to support our campaign. But before I do, I hope you’ll give me a moment to explain why I’m running for governor.

Growing up in Iowa, I saw a lot of folks leave the state once they graduated from high school. There are so many parents out there attending graduation ceremonies this month who know that their child is already planning to never call Iowa home again.

We all know that something’s not right. Our state’s social contract with the people has been broken. Far too many Iowans are giving all that they have, day in and day out, just to barely survive. We need a governor who works just as hard to make life easier for current and future generations of Iowans.

Despite our challenges, I have faith in who we are. Our history is marked by moments like this. Moments when Iowans have acted with courage, when we’ve led the way for our nation. As a state, our heritage is our path forward.

Iowa desegregated schools before the federal government. We developed agriculture that feeds the world. We recognized that love is love before any other midwestern state. Just one year ago, Iowa was one of only three states to pass a law ensuring that a murder like that of George Floyd would not happen here when we passed the Plan for a More Perfect Union.

That’s the Iowa that I know.

And I know that if we come together, we can elect leaders who will truly represent us, not leave us high and dry. We can find solutions to our common struggles, to lift our communities up. We can make Iowa a place that any person would be proud to call home.

I’m aiming to do that with each and every one of you as I run to become Iowa’s next governor.

Next week, our campaign is already facing its first major deadline since I announced my candidacy last week. The amount we raise before then will go to show just how much energy and excitement is behind our campaign.

So, can you chip in just $10 or whatever you can spare to help us put up strong grassroots fundraising numbers before the quarter ends? Let’s show how serious we are about coming together to make Iowa a better place for us all.

Thanks so much,

Ras