John, 

My name is Barbara Lee. I'm a proven progressive champion – and today, I'm officially announcing my candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

Right now, there are no Black women serving in the Senate, and in our nearly 250-year history, only two Black women have held Senate seats. I'm running to change that, but I need to know you're with me in this fight.

That's why I'm asking you to become one of the first donors to my campaign by chipping in $5 or more right now. Every dollar will help me build a broad coalition of supporters and secure a progressive future for all.

I grew up in the segregated South – where my mother was denied admission to the hospital while in labor because of the color of her skin. When they finally did let her in, the situation was so dire that they had to perform an emergency forceps delivery. I wear those scars to this day. A world of racism and ignorance gave me that mark, but it’s driven me to leave my mark on our country.

That's why doing nothing has never been an option for me. When my high school said cheerleaders couldn’t be Black, I worked with the NAACP, and earned my spot as the school’s first black cheerleader. When there weren’t protections for victims of domestic violence, I wrote California’s first Violence Against Women Act. And in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, I stood alone as the sole member of Congress to vote against the Afghanistan War, because I knew endless wars were not the solution.

The fight for justice has never left me, even to this day. Now, I'm ready to take that fight to the Senate. My lived experience as a Black woman making true progressive change for Californians will give a voice in the U.S. Senate to those who are currently voiceless. 

But this isn't going to be an easy fight. Analysts at The Washington Post are already saying that I'm at a fundraising disadvantage in this race. I won't let that stop me, and I know you won't either.

That's why I'm personally asking: Will you give $5 or more before midnight tonight to join Team Lee, kickstart my campaign for Senate and help me build a progressive future for all?

Thank you for being on my team, John. I can't win without you.

– Barbara Lee