I need you to hear this from me, friend: Marco Rubio and national Republicans are preparing attack ads to defeat me that are deceitful, offensive and flat-out WRONG.

The truth is, Marco Rubio is a career politician who would rather support his megadonors' agenda than attempt to solve the problems Floridians are facing – like lack of affordable housing, expensive child care and the rising costs of gas and groceries. 

Rubio and the GOP are desperate to distract voters from the fact that he has hardly EVER lifted a finger for the people of Florida. That's not me, with my decades-long record of public service. Because, while Rubio was comfortably in his bed sleeping, I was solving problems in my community as a social worker, a police officer and as Orlando's chief of police.

Polling has me neck and neck with Rubio. We can win this – but GOP lies could put me seriously behind. That's why I set an emergency goal to raise $25,000 before midnight to reach more voters and set the record straight. Will you donate $5 now to flip Florida blue?

Floridians deserve someone who cares more about people than politics. If I win this race, I'll show up for our communities, fight every day for working families and take on special interests like the gun lobby to prevent another parent from losing a child to senseless gun violence.

I'll put my record up against Rubio's any day. But here's the problem: The GOP is spending millions to buy this seat because they know that if I win this race, Democrats are virtually guaranteed to defend and expand our Senate majority.

I know I can win this race if I have a fair chance to share my story, friend, but I need $25,000 before midnight to reach more voters. Please, will you donate $5 right now to help me defend myself from GOP attacks, win over more Floridians and protect our Senate majority?

Thank you for stepping up when I need it most. 

Val Demings