Friends,

Tonight is our campaign’s very first fundraising deadline, and we’re just under $3,000 away from hitting our $20,000 goal.

But before I ask if you can pitch in to help us get there, I wanted to share something with you.

In case you couldn’t be at our campaign launch event earlier this month, here is a video featuring some of my speech: a message I hope reaches all Iowans.

See we all know that’s something’s not right. Our government and political systems are sick. We have so many hurt people that are hurting people. Our leaders are using their words and policy to tell you that you don’t belong here. That your Black life doesn’t matter. That your decisions about your body aren’t your decisions. That diversity and inclusion are not valued. That if you’re an immigrant or a refugee, then you’re somebody else’s problem.

But I say: you come as you are.

There is a place for you here. You contribute to this community. You come as you are. Be a part of this Iowa that we can build together.

That’s the core message behind this campaign for governor, and I’m trying to spread it across our state as far and wide as possible through things like online ads, social media, and emails like this one.

All of that costs money to do, so that’s why tonight’s deadline is so important. It doesn’t take much to make a big impact: can you chip in $10 or anything you can spare to help this people-powered campaign raise $20,000 before midnight?

Thanks for being here and contributing to this movement for an even better Iowa.

— Ras