John, nearly one-third of Californians live in poverty. And we deserve a senator who intimately understands what that means. 

I know how to fight for those who are impoverished, those who are scraping by on public assistance, those who cannot afford child care and those who are unhoused – because I've lived those struggles myself. 

After escaping an abusive marriage, I became a single mom to my two boys. 

We survived through the support of public assistance – but even then, I couldn't afford child care. I had to bring my boys with me to my college classes while I earned my degree – an option that not every parent has.

These years of just barely being able to make ends meet for myself and my boys inspired a lifetime of fighting to ease financial burdens for families like my own.

That's why I have led the way on progressive policies like a livable minimum wage and I even played an integral part in passing the expanded Child Tax Credit – which reduced child poverty by 46%. 

And, John, I'm ready to bring my fight and experiences to the Senate, but I can only get there with your support. It's far past time that poor and working Californians have a voice in our nation's Senate, so please:

Will you chip in to my campaign now to help me build an economy that works for all of us?

Thank you.

– Barbara