John, I want to tell you a longer story about my life, my family, and what called me to serve. It’s a deep look into exactly why I’m running for Congress.

If you’re busy and don’t have time to read it, I completely understand. But with the race heating up, my team has to raise $5,000 before midnight. Would you consider chipping in $3 before you continue with your day?

Looking back, it’s amazing to think the little girl in this picture had no idea just how far she’d go to fight for her community.

My parents were changemakers – pioneering integration at the University of South Florida. Their dedication to service inspired me to step up and serve my community.

My dad always told me to “Help others, do the right thing and most of all, always keep your head up high.”

That’s what led me to the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s office – working to do good for the most vulnerable in my community and advocating for clients who have been pushed to the margins of society.

Working with underserved and historically excluded communities, I was infuriated by the way the legal system is often stacked against people – and I knew my next calling was to run for the state legislature.

So I became the first openly queer Black member of the legislature, and used my position fight for underserved communities.

My story has one common thread throughout – service for my community. I will always fight to help those who have been marginalized – and now I’m taking that fight to Congress.

But my outspoken advocacy has earned me some opposition from those resisting deeply needed change. So that’s why I need a grassroots movement behind me. Will you chip in $3 to help send me to Congress, John? »

GOAL: $5,000 | DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT

Thank you for listening to my story, John, and I’m honored to have your support.

– Michele