Friend, ever since I was a young girl, I have been committed to fighting for what is right. 

And now, this woman – daughter of a maid and a janitor in the South, social worker, law enforcement officer and proud representative of Florida's 10th Congressional District – is fighting to secure equal rights for all and to defeat obstructionist bad actors who get in the way of justice and progress for working Floridians.

That means defeating bad actors like Marco Rubio – someone who continues to stall progress on basic rights like affordable health care and voting rights. Who refuses to recognize the increasing threat of climate change. Who voted against the stimulus bill that provided critical relief for millions of Americans. Rubio puts partisan needs over the needs of Floridians time and time again.

I will not rest until everyday working Floridians have the right to the same opportunities I was granted. Only in America can a little Black girl who grew up poor in the segregated South have an amazing story of opportunity like mine.

I believe everyone deserves that opportunity. That’s what this campaign is about. But I can't win this fight alone, and right now, I still need 845 supporters to activate their Florida Defenders membership before our critical fundraising deadline.

Will you give $5 or more right now – whatever you can possibly spare before tonight's crucial midnight deadline – to activate your membership, help us win Florida and defend our razor-thin Democratic Senate majority?

Democrats fought tooth and nail to win back Senate control in 2020 – and there's no time to rest on our laurels now. Mitch McConnell and the GOP only need ONE SEAT to flip the Senate, and election experts are already calling Florida's Senate seat a top battleground race for the majority. 

The GOP will stop at nothing to ensure they keep Florida red and flip the Senate: They're already funneling $10 MILLION into organizing efforts to make sure I lose – along with every other Democrat in Florida.

That's why I needed to ask you personally, friend: Winning this battleground race hinges on massive grassroots support from people like you across the country. So please, will you become a Florida Defender by donating $5 or more now? Whatever you contribute will help defeat Sen. Marco Rubio and defend Democratic Senate control.

Thank you so much for being by my side at this pivotal hour. 

Congresswoman Val Demings