You're a key part of this campaign, friend, so I wanted to share this exciting update with you directly: I just filed to officially put my name on the ballot for U.S. Senate!

This is a special moment for me, friend. Growing up, we didn't have much: Mom was a maid and Dad was a janitor. My mom always told me I was destined for something special – but running for U.S. Senate was beyond my wildest childhood dreams. Mom saw something in me, though.

I believe that only in America could a little Black girl growing up poor in the South in the 1960s end up having such an incredible story of opportunity. 

I'm running to expand my story of opportunity to more Americans – and to give Floridians the representation they deserve. If you believe in our historic campaign – in our movement to help working families get ahead – will you add your name to endorse my campaign?

I'm so proud of what our historic grassroots movement has accomplished so far. Because hundreds of thousands of people like you, friend, have joined this team, I'm neck and neck with Marco Rubio in the polls, and James Carville has "ZERO DOUBT" that I can win.

But this race is no cakewalk – and it's going to take all hands on deck to go up against Marco Rubio's dark-money machine. Please, will you confirm your support by personally endorsing this campaign? It would mean so much to me to see your name on my list of supporters.

Thanks again for your support. If we keep up the good work, I know we can deliver better leadership to the people of Florida.

– Val Demings