I'm truly shocked, friend.

I just pulled up my latest fundraising numbers, and I was heartened and humbled to see thousands of individual grassroots donors contributing to my people-powered campaign to flip Florida blue.

My campaign kicked off strong – but the finish line is miles away, and I'm still $6,223 short of this End of Month fundraising goal with just 3 hours left.

I'm worried because this Senate race is expected to be the most expensive ever ($600 million could be spent on political ads in Florida), and Marco Rubio is doing some of his best fundraising, so I can't afford to lose steam in these early months.

Really, asking for donations like this is not something I enjoy. But that's what it's going to take for this people-powered campaign to elect a daughter of working-class Floridians to the Senate. Can I count on you to chip in $5 right now to win in Florida?

If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that Marco Rubio isn't going to fight for everyday Americans like you and me. He's legislating for GOP special interests and a handful of big donors, not Floridians – and he's even trying to silence voters like you by refusing to protect your voting rights.

Marco Rubio has failed the people of Florida – and it's time for a change. But I can only win if every grassroots supporter – including you – contributes along the way, and I really need your help today, friend.

There are only a few hours left until my midnight deadline, and I can't fill this fundraising gap without you, friend. Here's the best way to flip Florida blue: www.secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/vd_senate-fr-email

Election experts keep warning that winning this race will take a groundbreaking grassroots push – but I know a thing or two about breaking barriers, and I'm confident our movement is up to the challenge.

Thank you so much for your support,

Congresswoman Val Demings