I’ll just be blunt: I’m about to ask if you can make a donation to our campaign. But first, can you give me a minute to explain why it would make a real difference to helping hit our July fundraising goal?

Here’s the way I see it: Our campaign is based on big ideas and a core principle — everyone gets equal access because we’re fighting for a government that works for everyone.

Our democracy is not for sale, and neither is my time.

So I’ve opted out of the unwritten rule of politics that says I’m supposed to run for office by sucking up to rich donors on Wall Street and powerful interests in Washington.

I’m not hosting swanky fundraisers where you can only get in if you write a ginormous check. I’m not taking PAC money, donations from federal lobbyists, or applications from billionaires who want to run a Super PAC on my behalf.

If we keep letting big money control our campaigns, the wealthy and well-connected will keep controlling Washington. And our government will keep working just for people who can afford to hire armies of lobbyists and lawyers.

We’re fighting to change all that by building a grassroots movement to put power in the hands of the people.

And it’s only possible with contributions from people like you. I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart that you’re on our team. Will you make your first donation right now to help make sure we hit our goal? We’re behind right now, but we can make it happen with a big push before the debate on Tuesday.

When we hit our fundraising goals — dollar by dollar, month after month — and keep building our movement — face to face, person to person — we show the rich and the powerful that change is coming. Sooner than they think.

Billionaires, CEOs, big banks, and giant corporations won’t always run the show in Washington.

I’ve got a plan — a bunch of plans — to level the playing field for working people and make sure we’re building a future not just for some of our kids, but all of our kids.

If the rich and powerful don’t like it, then tough. I don’t work for them. I work for you, and I’m in this fight by your side.

We’ve got to make big, structural change. We’re going to. But it’ll take a massive grassroots movement to get it done.

And first, our next big test is this July fundraising deadline, and we need all hands on deck to hit our goal. If you can, please chip in $3 or whatever you can afford for the first time before Tuesday’s debate.

Thanks for being a part of this,

Elizabeth