Hi, friend. I'm so proud of the work we've done to launch this campaign for Florida's Senate seat into overdrive. But the road to winning in Florida – and defending our Senate majority – isn't a sprint: It's a marathon.

I know a thing or two about marathons – I've run 26.2 miles in 5 hours and 38 minutes. And believe me, it's not about getting out of the gate with a bang. It's about endurance, and keeping up your pace in the middle of the race, when things get hard and the end feels far away. That's how you finish strong.

The miles ahead of us before Election Day are about to test the strength and endurance of our grassroots movement. And it's going to be an uphill battle: The first public poll of my race shows me two points behind Marco Rubio, and the Republican National Committee is investing at least $10 MILLION in on-the-ground organizers to defeat me and keep Florida RED for decades.

I know it won't be easy, but I never tire – I endure. So I'm really counting on grassroots supporters like you to help me keep my pace, to cheer me on as I run to win this marathon. Florida's Senate races are always a photo finish (just 0.12 percentage points decided the winner in 2018). I'm gaining ground – but if I let up for even a moment, Marco Rubio and the GOP could eke out a win at the finish line. 

This could be the most expensive race ever – and it could decide who controls the Senate. I cannot win this marathon without you, friend: Will you donate $5 today to help me defeat Marco Rubio, flip Florida blue and expand our Senate majority?

Thanks for sticking with me. Together, I know we can win.

Val Demings