John, in a minute, I’m going to tell you a personal story about why I’m running to create a better Georgia for all — without raising a single cent in taxes.

However, if you don’t have the time to read the whole thing, can you chip in $5 to my campaign before you close this email, to build a state where everyone can thrive? Anything you can give will make a real difference to my grassroots campaign.

When I was 10 or so, I got to go with my grandfather to the neighborhood gas station. With five siblings and nine cousins, alone time with him was a rare treat. I chattered the whole way there about books and school and summer plans. When we arrived, I proudly went inside to pay to fill up the tank and to buy some candy. On our way home, I told Granddaddy a secret — the man at the store had given me too much change.

My grandfather whipped his car around and drove back to the station in silence. As he pulled in front of the store, he turned to me with a look of disappointment. He told me that what I had didn’t belong to me. Instead, by keeping the extra money, I had put that attendant in jeopardy.

His stern face softened, and he explained, what felt like a win to me meant that someone else would be paying the bill. Technically, yes, I could have it, but at what cost?

My job was to go back inside and tell the truth. To return the money so that man could take care of his responsibilities. I dutifully got out of the car and gave the gentleman the extra $5. His look of relief and surprise were their own rewards — and I got a piece of bubblegum for my trouble.

What my grandfather taught me that day was profound: what feels like extra may be just enough to do what’s right.

Losing that $5 might have cost that man his job or made it so he couldn’t get home to his family. I’ll never know, and I don’t need to.

Because John, I live this lesson every day. We can do what’s right for Georgia — by investing in our economy, saving health care, building infrastructure, and taking care of our small businesses, our workers, and our bottom line. We can turn our state around and give back what has been taken from too many Georgians.

In November, we will set our course for the next generation. We can choose a governor who will deploy the largest surplus in a generation in a way that’s right — or one who will give it to his friends.

Together, we can do the right thing. Let’s win the governor’s race and ensure Georgia thrives. John, can I count on you to make your first donation to power my campaign right now?

Thank you,

Stacey Abrams

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