I rarely have a free moment these days, friend, so I'm grateful to have a few spare minutes to share why I'm investing so much into this Senate race. 

I grew up in the segregated South. My parents worked minimum wage jobs, and I washed dishes at fast-food chains to pay my way through college. So when I thought about the leadership this country really needs, I thought about hardworking families like mine. I thought about the opportunities I've been given my entire life and how I could fight to ensure this promise of America exists for everyone. 

So I jumped into this race, and I haven't looked back. And now, with an even split in the Senate and experts saying this race will decide Senate control, it's becoming clear that what this team does together will determine whether I can help strengthen voting rights, safeguard reproductive freedom and pass President Biden's agenda.

I know this political moment isn't easy, but I can't let you give up on this shared future now. I'm just 2 points away from Marco Rubio, and I know I can surge ahead, flip Florida blue and expand this Senate majority if I muster the resources it will take to defeat such a well-funded incumbent. 

I have to run to my next meeting now, but my biggest fundraising deadline of the year is tomorrow at midnight, and I still need 8,667 Democrats to become a member of this grassroots team, including you. 

Before I head out, I have to ask: Will you become a member of this movement by donating $5 before my important End of Year Deadline? I'm counting on your support today to build the resources I need to kick off this election year strong.

Thank you so much for your dedication to this campaign. 

Val Demings