Ken Burns here, writing to you with a request: 

Will you join me in supporting Mark Kelly's re-election campaign by splitting a donation between his campaign and Gary Peters?

Over the long course of our shared history, the United States has lived through a number of monumental crises. 

From the Civil War to the Great Depression, from the First and Second World Wars to the COVID-19 pandemic, these crises have challenged us to face up to – and live up to – the essential promise of our nation, preserving a democratic system of government that respects the rights and addresses the needs of all its citizens.

Today, challenges to our republic are rampant, the democratic values that make up the fabric of our nation under assault and at risk of unraveling. It’s never been more important to safeguard our fragile democracy: as Benjamin Franklin so wisely put it, "A Republic, if you can keep it."  

I've spent more than four decades making films about turning points in American history in an attempt to help us understand our past and interpret our present. I know when a historic moment is upon us, and the outcome of the November election is clearly such a moment.    

Now more than ever, it’s important to support leaders who unite us in defending our democracy – no matter your party affiliation. And Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has proved himself to be such a leader, a good man who has spent his life serving our country, and who will continue to honorably serve not only Arizonans but all Americans.

Plainly said, the United States Senate needs Mark Kelly. We need Mark Kelly. So, please:

Will you donate $5, split between Mark’s campaign and Gary Peters, and help defend his seat? The stakes are incredibly high this November, and every dollar counts.

Thank you for joining me at this pivotal moment for our country. 

Ken Burns