I wanted to take a moment to send you a longer and more personal email. It would mean a lot to me if you read it until the end.

See this old suit? It’s the first suit I ever wore. I carried it from Chicago to Harvard, from Santa Fe to Phoenix, and back to DC with me.

The reason why I carry this old suit around is to remind me why I ran for Congress in the first place.

I am the son of a single immigrant mother. My family did not have a lot of extra money growing up.

When I got accepted to Harvard, I was told I would need a suit. After paying for fees and bills there was nothing left.

But my uncle, a working-class man, and manager of the local meatpacking factory stepped in and gave me his only suit.

In a school of Armani’s, Brooks Brothers, and Ralph Lauren, it didn’t fit in. But it was my suit and I wore it proudly among the prep schoolboys.

Now, I keep it in my closet to remind me where I came from and who helped me get here.

So hear me when I say, I’m doing everything in my power to help others get ahead. But sadly, Republican cuts to healthcare, social services, and education are making it harder and harder for people who come from backgrounds like mine to maintain the status quo, let alone pull themselves up. Could you chip in $11 before midnight to fight back against Republicans and help Democrats push their progressive agenda? >>

I will never stop being proud of where I come from.

I lived on the economic edge and relied on food assistance.

I didn’t make it to Congress without help.

I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the help of my teachers, neighbors, and communities.

Now I’m asking you for your help. Your support will go to fueling our progressive fight, protecting the Democratic House, and fighting back Republican cuts to vital social services. All I’m asking is for you to chip in $5 or $15 before midnight. >>

Thank you,

Ruben