Friend,

It's the dirty little secret of life in D.C.: Most members of the House and Senate spend hours every day raising money. Every 15-minute break between votes, they're dialing for dollars -- while you, the taxpayer, pay their salaries.

And I'll be honest: It's not just Republicans. Members of my party do it, too.

The political-industrial complex leads so many elected leaders to stop at nothing to rake in big donations from those who want to buy influence. You know that's not how I roll.

You've shown me another way is possible. I ran for Congress to challenge the backwards culture of money in our politics -- and together, we're doing it.

So today, as we head toward our official end-of-month fundraising deadline, I'm personally asking: Will you chip in $10 to this grassroots campaign right now, so we can keep building this model for what a winning campaign can look like?

The over-the-top influence of money in politics is directly related to the gridlock we're seeing now. Roads across America are buckling from extreme heat, yet getting even bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed takes a herculean effort -- and don't get me started on bold, serious climate action.

That infrastructure deal that everyone's talking about includes things that all Americans agree are worthwhile: Repairing our roads and bridges. Eliminating lead pipes from homes and schools. Bringing high-speed internet to rural communities. And fortifying our infrastructure against the threat of cyberattacks and extreme weather.

So why is it so hard to get Congress to move on it? Because corporations and dark money groups -- starting with Big Oil -- don't want to see progress. The status quo works for them just fine. So they shovel huge campaign contributions to candidates who will do their bidding, stopping progress, no matter the cost to the country.

I'm the only member of Congress who doesn't take a dime from PACs, special interest groups, federal lobbyists, or even fellow members of Congress. I don't do it because it's easy -- I do it because it's right. Now, I'm counting on you to keep this campaign strong so we can keep showing my colleagues a better way is possible. I'm humbly asking: Will you chip in before our end-of-month deadline, this Saturday?

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With gratitude,

Dean