John, I grew up in a family committed to its business. My dad built the largest brewing company in the world with the help of thousands of Missourians with good-paying union jobs. And I could have dedicated my entire life to my family's company and sat out the rest. I could have lived on the sidelines and watched my community from the outside looking in.

But that was never who I was – and that sure wasn't the person my parents raised me to be.

I've always wanted to give back to the people, the state, and the country that gave my family so much – and to give my whole heart to my community. So as a young woman, I answered my call to service, became a nurse, and never looked back. I found purpose and joy in giving back through volunteer work, advocacy, and charity. I made my own way in life and raised my own family.

And in recent years, as I watched so-called leaders fail my community time and time again, I once again realized that it was time to get off the sidelines. From the opioid epidemic to abortion access and reproductive rights, so many of the biggest problems facing my community can only be solved with bold action from Washington. And today, our leaders are choosing extremism, greed, and partisanship over the people they're supposed to serve.

I never in a million years thought that I would run for political office. But I could not be more grateful to be forging a new path for myself and my state and to become the leader Missouri deserves and needs.

When I get to the Senate, I will work 24/7 to build bridges, put people first, find real solutions to serious problems, and bring compassion and honesty back to Washington. Just as I always have, I will continue to form my own beliefs, my own values, and my own way by listening to the communities I serve and love.

But no one gets to Washington alone. To win in November and move our country forward, I need you on my team. So please, if you're ready to join me in this journey, will you chip in a $5 grassroots donation before our next fundraising deadline?

Thank you for believing in Missouri, in my campaign, and in me.

With so much gratitude,

Trudy