Friend: As more horrifying details come to light about the Jan. 6 attack on our democracy, I hope you take a minute to read this message to the very end.

For as long as I live, friend, I will never forget how the events of Jan. 6 unfolded before my eyes. As insurrectionists marched through the halls outside the House gallery and my colleagues put on their gas masks to get ready for what might come, my police training instinctively kicked in.

For 27 years, I protected my community as a police officer – chasing criminals, taking domestic violence calls – so I was prepared that day to protect my colleagues in the House of Representatives and took charge on behalf of those who had never been in such a high-risk situation before.

No matter what, I promise to continue to protect our country as a U.S. senator – but I can't win this tough race without your help. Will you donate now to help me expand our Democratic Senate majority and protect our democracy from the GOP?

On Jan. 6, I knew there was a chance I might not make it. I was willing to take that risk to protect my colleagues, just like I took that risk every day I put on my police uniform.

I've taken an oath to stand firm "against all enemies, foreign and domestic" – including habitual offenders like Donald Trump and all those who are trying to tear our democracy down. And I know we can rebuke and defeat the violent extremism of Trump's Republican Party if we work together. 

I will never stop protecting and serving our country, but I need your help to stop the GOP from gaining power in the Senate. Will you contribute  to my Senate campaign today? Here's the best link to give: secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/vd_senate-fr-email

Thank you for supporting my campaign, 

Chief Val Demings