Friend – in a moment, I'm going to ask you to donate $5 to my campaign for Senate, but first, I want to explain why I need your support today.

Growing up Black in the South in the 1960s – the daughter of a maid and a janitor – I never imagined I'd be here today, building a campaign for the U.S. Senate. My whole life, I've been uplifted by the dreams of my ancestors and the prayers of my parents. That's what gives me the strength and the courage to stand up for what's right and fight for the better future I know is possible. 

This is a critical moment for our country. Last year, we rejected Donald Trump's racist, bigoted vision for America. And in January, we elected a Democratic Senate majority to give President Biden and his administration the support they need to help our country build back better. But the fight is far from over.

Mitch McConnell is 100% focused on obstructing the bold progress that Americans so desperately need – and enablers like Marco Rubio are ready to fall in line behind him. We have to defend and expand our Senate majority if we want to build back better. And I can only win in Florida with a strong team of grassroots supporters, including you, friend.

So here's the part where I ask for your help. Believe me, I wish I didn't have to – but hitting every fundraising goal is what it's going to take to win.

My team just let me know we're $97,333 short of our $250,000 mid-month goal. And election experts are saying that a lack of resources is the biggest obstacle standing between me and flipping this seat blue. Marco Rubio just had one of his best fundraising quarters ever, outraising every other Senate Republican – so I have to ask, friend: Can I count on you to chip in before midnight?

Donate $5 or more right now – whatever you can spare – to give us the resources we need to build a winning campaign, defeat Marco Rubio and defend our Democratic Senate majority.

Thank you for fighting by my side to make our country the land of promise and opportunity it was meant to be. I believe in the work we are doing, and with your help, I know we'll get there.

Val Demings