Hi, friend. I'm sorry for popping into your inbox like this – but I'm leaning on my strongest supporters because Republicans are trying to PERMANENTLY keep Florida red and flip the Senate.

I'm fighting to defeat Marco Rubio and defend our Democratic majority in the Senate – but I just found out that the Republican National Committee is investing at least $10 MILLION in on-the-ground organizers to keep Florida RED for decades. I can't bear the thought.

I'll give it to you straight, friend: GOP leaders are saying that they need just 60,000 more registered Republicans in the state to control Florida permanently. I'm not giving up on Florida – but with Republicans pouring money into this race, I need to make critical investments right now. And I cannot afford to make those investments if I miss my critical $50,000 grassroots fundraising goal tonight.

So I have to ask you humbly and directly, because outlets like CNN say my race could decide Senate control: Will you donate $5 or more to help me win in Florida and defeat Marco Rubio? I'm still short of my $50,000 midnight goal, so contributing whatever amount you can will really help my campaign right now.

I can't thank you enough for your support.

Congresswoman Val Demings