John,

I want to tell you a story about the first time I visited the Governor’s Mansion.

But first, this Friday marks the last day of the quarter, when our fundraising numbers will be locked in for the last time before Election Day. That’s why my team made a goal to raise $150,000 per day from now through September 30.

Will you invest $5 in my campaign right now to build One Georgia, where we all thrive — and where our children are safe and surrounded by opportunity and possibility? Your $5 donation could help take us right over the finish line today and help us begin opening gates of opportunity across Georgia.

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In 1991, I graduated as the valedictorian of Avondale High School. Like most Georgia valedictorians, I was invited to meet the Governor of Georgia at the Governor’s Mansion.

It was a big deal for my family. That morning, I got up and put on my Sunday best. My parents and I boarded the MARTA bus with the domestic workers and mechanics who, like us, could not afford a car.

We took MARTA all the way from DeKalb County to Buckhead, got off at West Paces Ferry Road, and walked up the long driveway to the big black gates around the property. When we got to the guard station, the guard looked at my parents, then he looked at me and said, “This is a private event, you don’t belong here.”

He looked over our shoulder at the MARTA bus driving away and he told himself a story about who would be on that bus — and in his story, they did not belong in the Governor’s Mansion.

My parents pushed back and I got in. But looking back on that day, I don’t remember meeting the Governor of Georgia. I don’t even remember celebrating my accomplishments with valedictorians from 159 counties and 180 school districts. The only thing I remember is a man blocking the gates of the most powerful place in Georgia, telling me that I did not belong.

I have spent my life in public service opening the gates of opportunity for those often left behind. But now, I need your help to change the face of leadership in Georgia and win this election on November 8.

So, I’m humbly asking, John: with just over 48 hours left until our End of Quarter reporting deadline, will you help show the world that Georgia can be a state that works for all? Let’s show everyone — Brian Kemp, the media and everyone else who counted us out — that we have a mandate to open those gates and keep them open.

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Thanks for your support during this crucial moment,

Stacey Abrams