Friend,

I want to tell you an important story today, but before I do: Would you consider donating to my campaign for U.S. Senate? As a young girl, I could never have imagined that I'd become a congresswoman and one day run for U.S. Senate, but my parents believed in me and did everything they could to ensure I had a bright future. I'd be so honored to have your support, too. 

Now, let me tell you a story: I remember in seventh grade, my class was going on a big trip to Washington, D.C. My dad, a janitor who worked seven days a week to make ends meet for our family, asked for an advance to pay for my plane ticket. I'm still amazed today he could find the money – and I'm touched that he sacrificed so much for me. 

That first trip to Washington, D.C., made a major impact on me. I stood at the feet of Lincoln's statue in the Lincoln Memorial, gazing up at this giant of American history. I walked through the Library of Congress with wide eyes. I looked at the U.S. Capitol in awe, totally unaware that one day I'd have the opportunity to work in that very building.

If my parents could see me today, they would be so proud of everything I've been able to accomplish. I truly believe that only in America can a little Black girl growing up in the South in the 1960s have such an amazing story of opportunity.

But the truth is, my story is a rare one. For so many working families like mine, the American dream is simply out of reach. That's why I'm running for U.S. Senate to expand my story of opportunity to more Americans – by reducing student debt, raising the minimum wage, expanding access to childcare and cutting health care costs.

If you're with me, I need your support right now. I'm neck and neck with Marco Rubio in this close race. If we flip Florida blue, Democrats could expand our Senate majority and pass our agenda, so I have to ask: Will you donate $5 right now to help me surge ahead, win this race and provide more opportunities for working families?

Thanks for being part of this historic grassroots movement. 

Congresswoman Val Demings