Friend: Each and every day it is not lost on me that I'm in what will undoubtedly be the most expensive race for the U.S. Senate in 2022 – a race that could decide the Senate majority and will be anything but easy.

But I know a thing or two about persevering, and winning, even when the odds are stacked against me.

I've overcome plenty of adversity in my life, friend. There is nothing easy about growing up as a poor Black girl in the segregated South. But my family's faith, and faith in opportunity, taught me perseverance. It was my family, particularly my mother's words of "never tire of doing good, Val," that pushed me to where I am today.

I carry the spirit of her words with me even still – as I reflect on my career of service to Floridians and my path to being a candidate for U.S. Senate.

There was nothing easy about being a first-generation college graduate – nor was it easy working my way up the ranks of the Orlando Police Department. For 27 years, I served when it wasn't exactly ordinary to see a woman on the force, let alone a Black woman. But I never tired, and eventually, I became the first woman to lead my department as chief of police.

And friend, I know firsthand there's nothing easy about winning elections in Florida. My first run for Congress was one of my toughest fights – but even in defeat I never tired, because I knew I could do good for my community. And it certainly wasn't easy to hold a lawless president – a habitual offender – to account. But I served as an impeachment manager, prosecuting Donald Trump in the Senate, because no one should be above the law.

My road to this moment was not easy. But I'm not sure that there’s anywhere except America where a little Black girl – the daughter of a maid and a janitor who grew up in the '60s South – could have a story so filled with opportunities like these. And I am determined to meet this moment, to win, to never tire of doing good, so that anyone can have a story of opportunity.

This may be my toughest challenge yet, which is why I'm urging you – every last person reading this email – to chip in whatever you can to ensure I have the resources to defeat Marco Rubio and win in Florida: Please, will you give $5 or more to help me flip Florida blue and defend our Democratic Senate majority? Every dollar you give increases our ability to compete and win this tough battleground race.

With so much gratitude for all you do,

Val Demings