John,

I wanted to share with you a story about why I’m committed to running a campaign that lifts up all Georgians. Where opportunity is available to everyone — regardless of their background.

I hope you will read it, and then make your $5 donation to ensure we can create a stronger Georgia that works for all Georgians. Please, anything you’re able to give will make a real difference.

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In November 1994, I vied for a prize no one like no black person from Mississippi had ever won before — one I had no road map for winning — the Rhodes Scholarship.

I never even dreamed of applying for this prestigious award because it seemed so far out of reach. I couldn't lose out to wealthier, more prepared students of privilege if I simply didn't try. But if I tried and failed, I would prove my deepest fears were correct - I could only reach so high but no higher.

I mustered my courage, put in my bid and defied the odds. I became the first black woman to be nominated for the Rhodes Scholarship by the state of Mississippi. But my doubts continued. Now that I'd passed that first hurdle, would I stumble at the finish line? When I shared this worry with my parents as a reason to quit, my mom chastised me, “We never imagined, from where we began, we would have a daughter who would have this opportunity. You can’t fail, even if you don’t win. Because you’ve already won the hardest part.”

A few weeks later, I learned I did not win the Rhodes Scholarship. The loss devastated me, but in the attempt, I changed my life. This gave me the courage to go on to Yale Law School, run for political office and become the Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Because suddenly, I saw opportunity where I had never been brave enough to look before — and where no one who looked like me had been.

I’m running for governor to open the doors of opportunity for people all across our state, and to provide access to education, health care, housing and a good living to all Georgians — regardless of their background or zip code.

I want to be clear: this is a fight we cannot afford to lose. That’s why I’m counting on you to make a $5 donation to power our campaign. Can you please chip in to my campaign right now, to seize this moment and build a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive? Your continued support is critical for us in these final days of the campaign if we’re going to win and get to work for Georgians.

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Let’s get it done,

Stacey