Friend: Today, I wanted to reach out and tell you a little bit about myself. My story speaks to exactly why I'm in this fight – and it's important I share that with you.

First, here's a picture of me as a kid with a few of my siblings! (I'm in the bottom-right corner.)

I grew up in public housing on the west side of Savannah, Georgia. I had 11 brothers and sisters – and while my family was short on money, we were long on love and faith. My parents taught us the meaning of hard work and always said we could do anything we put our minds to. Thanks to their support, I became the first in my family to earn a college degree.

From there, I followed in the footsteps of my mom and dad – both preachers – and eventually worked my way up to become the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the spiritual home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

But I've always believed my impact doesn't stop at the church doors. That's just where it begins. That's why I ran for the U.S. Senate in the first place. Last year, with unprecedented grassroots support from folks like you, we made history. Now, I'm humbled to serve as Georgia's first Black senator and work hard to make sure every child can achieve their American dream – just like I did.

Here's the thing, friend: Keeping up this fight won't be easy. NPR is calling me the most vulnerable Senate Democrat up for reelection – and experts confirm this race could decide Senate control.

So the only way I can protect my seat and continue being a voice for Georgians is with your help. That's why I'm personally asking: Will you chip in $5 or more today, before tonight's grassroots fundraising deadline, to help us win in Georgia, defend the Senate, and secure a brighter future for our country?

Thank you for being part of our people-powered movement. As always, I'm so grateful for your support.

– Rev. Raphael Warnock