I'm reaching out personally to ask for your help today, friend.

When I first launched this campaign over a year ago, grassroots Democrats like you came out in droves to support me. This momentum has carried me far: Politico even upgraded my chances of winning! But a recent poll still shows me 1 point down from Marco Rubio.

Marco Rubio is trying to wipe away all of my momentum, running low-blow attack ads to defeat me by smearing my record. I've got thick skin, but that doesn't change the fact Rubio and the Senate GOP campaign arm have hauled in over $200 million this election cycle. 

There's no way around it: My biggest obstacle to winning this race will be having the resources it takes to go toe to toe with Marco Rubio in what experts say will likely be the most expensive Senate race ever. That's why I set a $200,000 midnight fundraising goal – which is ambitious, but it's what it will take to compete with national Republicans and their dark-money allies. 

I'm counting on every person reading this email to help me out with a grassroots donation. With Senate control on the line in this tight race, the stakes could not be higher. 

I cannot afford to miss this goal, friend: Please, can you give $5 – or anything you can spare – to help me defeat Marco Rubio and defend our Senate majority?

I know I'm asking a lot of you, but that's because this grassroots campaign relies on committed supporters like you to win in Florida – not dark money and megadonors. Thanks for your sustained support.

Congresswoman Val Demings