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John —
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. That’s why Adam Schiff asked me to reach out once again.
John, I've overcome plenty of adversity in my life. 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 — "never tire of doing good, Val” — that gave me the strength to get to where I am today.
I carry the spirit of her words with me 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.
They called me “Chief Demings.” Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?
And John, I know firsthand that there's nothing easy about winning elections in Florida. My first run for Congress was one of my toughest fights – and 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 along with Adam Schiff, prosecuting Donald Trump in the Senate, because no one should be above the law.
My road to this moment, and this campaign 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, win and never tire of doing good so that anyone can have a similar 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:
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your split donation to Val Demings and Adam Schiff will go through immediately:
With so much gratitude for all you do,
– Val Demings
