Friend: I'm so close to reaching my daily fundraising goal, but I'm still 13% short as of 1 p.m. ET – and in a race that could determine Senate control, I can’t afford to fall behind.

When I was growing up in Jacksonville, I was one of seven children living in a two-room house. We didn't have much, but with a lot of hard work, I became the first in my family to graduate college, the first Black woman to serve as Orlando's chief of police and a congresswoman. I took my parents' words of never tire to heart, even when I was being counted out.

That's why I'm running to defeat Marco Rubio in the Senate elections and expand my story of opportunity: So one day, every child can achieve the American Dream like I did. And the thing is, since I launched my campaign last year, your support has made this race competitive: The Miami Times says I'm gaining ground in the polls. 

But national Republicans are taking notice of our grassroots team and are running relentless attack ads to stop our momentum. We can win – but I can't do this alone. I'm relying on the continued grassroots support of everyday Americans like you to win, friend: Will you give $5 or more to help me protect myself from the GOP's attack ads, reach more voters with my story of opportunity and flip Florida blue?

That's my house in Jacksonville. I was so lucky to grow up with parents who taught me about faith, perseverance and hard work.

Thank you for your support, friend. I'm ready to get things done for Floridians, and it means so much to me that you've joined this movement.

– Val Demings