Friend: Marco Rubio has launched desperate attacks on my law enforcement career. Why? Because he knows I can defeat him and prevent Mitch McConnell from taking back Senate control. 

My career in law enforcement – those 27 years I spent protecting and serving my community – is unbelievably special to me. It's personal. I'd like to take a minute to explain to you why that is – but if you already share my belief that Floridians deserve so much better than Marco Rubio's failed leadership, will you chip in $5 now to help me defeat him?

I entered the police academy back in 1983. It was tough work, but I loved it. I had the honor of being elected class president at the academy – and after graduation and years of hard work, I rose to the top of the department and became the first woman to serve as Orlando's chief of police. 

When I started my time as chief, Orlando was in a crisis: The murder rate was at an all-time high. But I brought the department together and built relationships within the community. Working together with the brave men and women of the Orlando Police Department and the community, we reduced violent crime by 40%.

It doesn't surprise me that Marco Rubio is trying to make a mockery of a career I take deep pride in. But while I was working the midnight shift and keeping my community safe, Marco Rubio was plotting his trajectory as a career politician. I'd put my record up against his any day.

I know the true meaning of service. I know what it's like to put my life on the line for my community. I know what it means to lead. If you're with me, then please donate $5 or whatever you can spare, right here and now, to help me defeat Marco Rubio and expand our Democratic Senate majority.

It took many long, sleepless nights to protect the city of Orlando. And if I'm elected to the Senate, I'm ready to spend more long, sleepless nights protecting our right to vote, reproductive rights, access to health care and so much more.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support.

Chief Val Demings