Friend,
 
The difference between me and someone who is sitting in prison today... is luck. I happened to have a set of amazing public educators who gave me a second chance when I needed it most, and if I hadn't, I wouldn't be here today.

If you have a moment, I’d like to tell you a bit more about how public servants and institutions saved me and gave me real opportunities in life. 

After my parents passed away when I was a kid, I felt a great deal of anger towards life’s circumstances. Like so many other young people who experience trauma, I channeled this frustration by acting out and eventually got in so much trouble that I was kicked out of high school.

While many could have seen a young Black and Puerto Rican kid whose life was in crisis and wrote me off, phenomenal public school teachers, mentors, and a school counselor believed in me and gave me a second chance.

Because of their investment in me, I became the first U.S. Secretary of Education to get kicked out of high school, and I hope I will not be the last. Now, I’m running to be the next governor of Maryland to ensure others get the same opportunity to succeed. 

If you think that’s a message voters should hear, please contribute whatever you can today. Your investment will ensure we have the resources to run ads, build a strong team, and share my story with as many voters as possible.

My story is not unique. There are thousands of struggling students here in Maryland who are in need of second chances – even third, fourth, and fifth chances — and as governor, I will work to make it happen.

Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and given a chance to reach their full potential — like I was as a young man — and I will fight for this to become a reality for all Marylanders. If you agree and are ready to help us deliver real positive change for Maryland, can I count on you to support our campaign with a contribution today?

Thank you,

John King