It's official, friend. I'm the official Democratic nominee for Florida's Senate seat, and we've got a great deal of work ahead.

The truth is, if I defeat Marco Rubio here in Florida, there is no hope of Republicans taking back the Senate. And Mitch McConnell and his wealthy allies know it.

That's why Republicans have already funneled tens of millions of dollars into Florida to defeat me and retake their Senate majority. We can't let that happen.

Everybody from McConnell to Donald Trump will continue doing whatever it takes to win in Florida and flip the Senate – and that's why, as we enter the final phase of this election, I'm personally reaching out early to top supporters like you, friend.

Right now, I'd like to invite you to become an official Florida Defender. I've set a goal of having 50,000 grassroots donors join me to flip Florida and defend the Senate majority, but I don't see your name on my list yet:

Please, will you pitch in a donation to become a Florida Defender right now? Every dollar you give ensures we'll have the resources to compete against Marco Rubio as we get closer to Election Day.

There's a number I've asked this team to keep in mind before, and I've got to bring it to your attention again: 10,033. 

That's the number of votes that decided Florida's last Senate race – a margin of less than two-tenths of a percentage point. That's about as slim as margins come, so I need you to hear me when I say this: Every dollar we don't raise is a missed opportunity to mobilize voters. In a race this close, with Senate control on the line, missing out on resources is simply not an option. 

As we kick off election year, YOU have the power to guarantee that this campaign has the resources to help me enter the year strong enough to compete against Rubio, McConnell, Trump and the entire Republican establishment. That's why I'm asking for 50,000 top supporters like you to donate $5 or whatever you can chip in to become a Florida Defender. Can I count on your donation right now?

This is truly where the rubber meets the road, friend. With you fighting strong alongside me, I know that we will win and expand our Democratic Senate majority in the process. Thank you for your support.

Val Demings