John, I'm Barbara Lee – a Californian and a proven progressive champion. I'm running for Senate, where there are currently no Black women serving. And in a moment, I’m going to ask you to become a Founding Donor to my campaign. But first, let me explain why I’m running and why your grassroots support today is so critical:

Throughout my life, I’ve faced incredible hardships. I couldn’t drink from the same water fountain as my white peers. After getting pregnant as a teenager, I needed to have a back-alley abortion because they were illegal in the United States. I escaped a violent marriage and became a single mom and worked my way through college.

But I was inspired by my mother’s perseverance and my mentor Shirley Chisholm. I became the first African American woman elected to the state Senate from Northern California. And in Congress, I have championed the voices of minorities, from addressing LGBTQ+ issues to violence against women. 

My life story is the epitome of the American dream, and it's prepared me for this upcoming fight. Please, will you give $5 or more to become one of the key 2023 Founding Donors we need to build a progressive future for all?

I've dedicated my life to making real progress for my community and families across our country, but our fight is far from over. We must take on climate change, ease the burden on the middle class and find a solution to homelessness. But this work is only possible with your support, John.

Now more than ever, I need you by my side. The Washington Post has already said I'm at a serious fundraising disadvantage compared to others who have declared their candidacy in this race. And as you already know, the odds are stacked against a Black woman like me. 

I'm reaching out to you today, John, because I need 5,000 grassroots supporters to join me on the front lines to fight for our diverse voices in the Senate. Please, will you give $5 or more to become one of the key 2023 Founding Donors we need to build a progressive future for all?

Thank you for standing with me.

Rep. Barbara Lee