The journey to this moment has been a long one, John.

But before I tell you more, I need your help in the final stretch of this race.

Election Day is in 7 days and my team can’t fall short between now and November 8. Will you split $25 right now between Democracy Defense Fund and me to help fuel our campaigns? Every vote counts in this election — and so does every contribution.

John, I began this journey in June 2017, when I stood in Chehaw Park in Albany to announce my candidacy for governor. I ran for 16 months. By the end of the campaign, our team had mobilized the most diverse coalition Georgia had ever seen before.

Even as the odds mounted against us, and Republicans worked hard to decrease access to voting, we fought to the very end. With hope. With determination.

But I didn’t get the job in 2018.

But I didn’t quit, I kept working for Georgians. I changed my how but never lost what drives me. And I decided to try again because I know Georgia can be extraordinary if we truly invest in our people. I believe in meeting people where they are, not where you want them to be. I believe that if we want people to turn out, we have to show that it is worth the pain of hope.

But it’s not about 2018, 2020 or 2021 anymore. This year, we face a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make unprecedented progress both today and tomorrow for our families. We look to the future and imagine the incredible story we can write for ourselves and our families — if we have a governor who sees all of us.

That’s why I know it’s worth it to fight. To try again. To do everything we can to win. So, that’s why I ask, John. Will you do everything you can to help us get voters to the polls next week and win? Splitting $25 — or even $5 — between my campaign and Democracy Defense Fund will make a lasting difference in this final stretch.

This time, let’s get it done.

— Stacey