Since launching this campaign for governor of Arkansas, there’s an important lesson I’ve learned about defying the odds. I’d like to take a moment to share that with you today.

Our campaign is a bumblebee 🐝. What do I mean by that? When scientists first began studying the bumblebee, they looked at it in awe, because its body is really big, its wings are really tiny, and there’s no way it should be able to get off the ground. After further research, they determined in no uncertain terms that it’s aerodynamically impossible for the bumblebee to fly. But I guess someone forgot to give the bumblebee the memo — because it flies anyway. That’s us, and that’s our campaign.

Our campaign has taught me what it really means to defy the odds. And right now we’re on the verge of making history. And your donation right now will help ensure we’re able to reach every Arkansan who hasn't voted yet today. So if you’re with me, can you please chip in $25 or anything you can to power us to victory tonight?

Just like we knew that we could build a grassroots movement in Arkansas, the bumblebee intuitively knows something that it took decades for scientists to discover: their wings create a vortex to help it fly. This movement is our vortex. It’s how we’ll continue defying the odds and come out victorious tonight. 

Many said it was impossible for our campaign to get out of the primary because I was a first-time candidate with zero name recognition. But guess what? We won our primary with over 70% of the vote. We traveled to all 75 counties and met with countless Arkansans who desperately need their voices to be heard. And now I’m the first Black nominee for governor in Arkansas from a major party. That’s no small feat.

Experts said it was impossible for the bumblebee to fly, but the bumblebee flew anyway. Experts said our campaign wouldn’t make it out of the primary, but we did anyway. And these same experts are still doubting our movement — but I have news for them. Arkansans are ready to defy the odds and lead our state in a new direction. That’s why we’ve been showing up, listening to each other, and walking a mile in each others’ shoes on every last street, because we all know what’s at stake. 

We’re at a pivotal moment in history, and I know that with a massive outpouring of support we can take out movement all the way tonight. If you can, please make a $25 contribution to power this fight across the finish line.

Let’s win this!

Chris Jones