Friend, I have a few spare minutes in my schedule. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but between giving my all to representing Florida's 10th District in Congress and running a Senate campaign, these free moments don’t happen very often. 

I just grabbed a cup of coffee (black with two sugars) and checked in with my husband Jerry (he’s doing great by the way!), and now I want to spend the rest of my time telling you why this race is so important to me. But first, will you rush a donation to my campaign for Senate? It's going to take all of us, working together, to win this race and defeat Marco Rubio.

Growing up poor and Black in the 1960s South was not easy. My parents worked long hours to keep food on the table, but their faces still lit up with delight the moment they walked through the door and saw me and my six brothers and sisters. 

In a way, this campaign is all about making them – the people who raised me, loved me and gave my dreams enough space to grow – proud. My dedication to public service has required sacrifices from everyone, and I hope they all see how hard I’m working to do good and give every Floridian the resources they need to follow their own dreams. 

I truly believe that together, we CAN make a difference for our country. But it's going to take hard work and dedication to do it. I'm almost out of free time and must get back on the campaign trail now, but before I do, I have to ask: 

I’m quickly closing the polling gap between me and Marco Rubio, and I need this amazing and supportive community to help me surge ahead. If you believe in me, please give here: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/vd_senate-fr-email

Gratefully,

Val Demings