Friend,

That's me you're looking at.

I grew up poor in the segregated South, the daughter of a maid and a janitor. If you had told me back then, as a young Black girl, that I would become the first in my family to graduate college, the first woman to lead the Orlando Police Department, a congresswoman and a candidate for the U.S. Senate, well – I just don't know if I would have believed you.

What I did believe then – and what I carry deep in my soul to this day – is the lesson of my hardworking parents to "never tire of doing good."

It was my parents' words that inspired me to get into public service. It was their words that have driven me to do good every chance I get. From my time as a young social worker to my career as a law enforcement officer to being representative of my community in Congress – "never tire" is a mantra that I've held dear.

My unlikely story of opportunity is proof of what is possible and what should be possible for every American. As Florida's next U.S. senator, I will never tire in the work to make sure the greatness of America is accessible and affordable for all Americans. I will never tire in continuing to do more good for you and your family.

But when it comes to this race, the GOP won't tire either: The Republican National Committee chair is already attacking me personally, while Mitch McConnell and GOP outside groups are ready to dump tens of MILLIONS into Florida to defeat me.

This is already shaping up to be the most expensive Senate election ever – and with just a .12% margin in Florida's last Senate race, every dollar will count tremendously. I know a thing or two about winning tough races, but I need your help because I can't do this alone.

I'm depending on your grassroots support to power this historic campaign and help me fight back against the GOP's attacks – and right now, I'm falling short of my midnight goal. Can you split a $25 donation today between my campaign and Debbie Stabenow to help make sure I have the resources to defeat Marco Rubio and protect and expand Democratic Senate control?

Thank you so much for sharing this journey with me. It means the world to have you by my side.

Thanks,

Val Demings