John, I'm the only Black woman in the California Senate primary – and I'm ready to take the experience, struggles and voice of Black women to the Senate.

But the hard reality is that Black women candidates fundraise just one-third the amount that white women candidates do, and that reality has been painfully evident in this race. So I have to ask – can I count on you to chip in a few dollars to my campaign for Senate?

John, I know what it means to struggle as a Black woman in America. I was brought into this world via an emergency forceps delivery when my mother was nearly denied admission to the hospital because of the color of her skin.

I've survived domestic violence. I've been homeless. I was a single mom.

But I never gave up.

I didn't give up when I had to work with the NAACP as a teen to integrate the girls' cheerleading squad at my high school. I didn't give up when I couldn't afford child care and had to take my two boys with me to attend my college classes. I didn't give up when I was the only person in Congress who opposed the Authorization for Use of Military Force in 2001. And I'm not going to give up in this race – not when we have a real chance to bring representation to the Senate.

John, I'm running for Senate, and I'm ready to fight – despite the barriers that stand in my way. And I know I can get there, but it'll only happen with the support of people like you.

Because the truth is, my opponents have raised millions from their millioniare donors. And while I always knew that I wouldn't raise the most in this race – Black women never do – I’m counting on you to help me raise what I need to pull ahead.

So I'm humbly asking, to help ensure that Black women have a voice in the Senate for years to come:

Will you rush a donation to my campaign now? I'm ready to bring my decades of progressive experience to the Senate, but I can only do that with your support.

Thank you,

Barbara Lee