The Senate is on the line

I'm Val Demings, and I'm running for the U.S. Senate to defeat Marco Rubio and win better, stronger leadership for the people of Florida. We're barely out of the gate, and election experts are already calling this a top battleground race for the Senate. 

 

Just 10,033 votes (0.2 percentage points) decided Florida's last Senate race – so I'll tell you the plain truth: I cannot win this without you.

Every day, I carry with me that I am a descendent of enslaved people, people who knew that they would not make it, but dreamed and prayed that one day I would.

Their prayers carried me to this day – carried me through a life of public service as a social worker, as a law enforcement officer, the first Black woman to serve as Orlando's police chief and as the proud representative of Florida's 10th Congressional District.  So hear me when I say this: Only in America can a little Black girl, the daughter of a maid and a janitor growing up in the South in the ’60s, have an amazing story of opportunity like mine.  The prayers of my parents propel me forward, even now, giving me the strength and courage it takes to do what's right. To impeach and prosecute a corrupt president. To never stop fighting for gun safety reform. To push for truth, accountability, justice. In my decades of public service, I've worked with some truly incredible individuals – champions of civil rights like my friend John Lewis, who said, "Each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society." We're at an inflection point for our democracy that will decide if we live up to John Lewis' dream. The modern-day Republican Party is committed to the exact opposite of what Congressman Lewis stood for. Marco Rubio and Senate Republicans are putting party over the future of our democracy, over the wants and needs of Florida's working families. You have my word, that when it comes to winning this race and delivering better leadership for Florida, I will fight like never before. Because when your friends and neighbors put their trust in you to be their voice, you work for them – and that's just not what we're seeing from Sen. Rubio.

U.S. Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla.

Marco Rubio is already attacking.

First in a primetime interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, and now on Twitter, Rubio is taking pages out of his idol Donald Trump's playbook: divisive rhetoric. Misrepresentations about me. Far-right talking points. He even said he'd "absolutely" welcome the twice-impeached former president on the campaign trail.

This is what we're up against, and it's only the beginning. The worst part is that with Senate control on the line, the full force of the GOP establishment and their dark-money allies will pour millions into Florida to prop up Marco Rubio, and Trump will be fanning the flames every step of the way.

That's why we've got to build a grassroots movement that can fight back, here and now, and all the way to the finish line. But we're still falling short of the number of Founding Donors we'd hoped to have at this point.

With the attacks already beginning, we can't afford shortfalls like this, so can I count on you to rush a monthly donation of $15 or more to become a Founding Donor right now? Every dollar you contribute helps us build the strongest campaign possible to defeat Marco Rubio and protect our Democratic Senate majority.

Thanks for stepping up and having my back from the very beginning, Frank. I have so much faith in this team. Together, we can deliver better leadership for Floridians and defend our majority in the Senate. Val Demings BREAKING FROM POLITICO: EMILY's List endorses Congresswoman Val Demings in Florida's Senate Race! Rush a donation of $15 or more monthly to help Val Demings defeat Marco Rubio, flip Florida blue and defend our Democratic Senate majority! The momentum for Congresswoman Demings' run for Senate is unstoppable. After launching her historic campaign yesterday, donations immediately poured in from all 50 states – and now, one of the most influential groups in Democratic politics is backing her Senate run.  We're feeling hopeful, and we hope you are too, but here's the reality: Inside Elections has already called this one of the biggest battleground Senate races in the country – and Florida's last Senate race was decided by just 10,033 votes. It's going to take an unprecedented grassroots movement to flip Florida blue – and we can only do it with your support.   With Marco Rubio already attacking Val Demings personally and the GOP likely to shell out tens of millions of dollars to defeat her, we need your help to fight back and keep up the momentum: Will you rush a contribution of $15 or more monthly to help Val Demings defeat Marco Rubio, flip Florida blue and defend our Democratic Senate majority? Paid for by Val Demings for U.S. Senate Val Demings for U.S. Senate P. O. Box 536926 Orlando, FL 32853 United States

 It’s Adam Schiff, and I want to tell you about my good friend, Val Demings. 

But first things first: I’m endorsing Val Demings for Senate. And I wanted you to hear it from me. And I want to tell you why. 

Rep. Demings is brilliant, a proven leader, tough as nails, and we desperately need her commonsense approach in the Senate. I’m going to tell you more about Val Demings, but first I’m asking:

Here’s why I’m supporting Val Demings, and why you should, too:

Congresswoman Demings knows Florida, and she knows public service. She served for 27 years in law enforcement, becoming the first Black woman to serve as Orlando's police chief (did I mention she’s tough as nails?). In the House, she's fought for gun reform, affordable health care and to protect voting rights. And I stood beside her as she fought to uphold our values against the likes of Donald Trump. I know she’s the right person for the job.

The stakes are too high for Democrats not to compete everywhere. Our Senate majority is razor-thin at 50-50. To create a better, more just and safer future for our country, we must defend AND expand our Democratic Senate. But Republicans are doing everything in their power to tip the scales in their favor – going so far as to introduce and pass voter suppression laws in state legislatures across the country.

Look, I’ve known the Congresswoman for years, and we have been in the trenches together fighting to defend our democracy. And there’s nobody better prepared for the job. She is tenacious, commanding, undaunted and knows how to fight for what she believes in. She’ll be the kind of senator who never tires of advocating for families across Florida. And because of her tenacity, I know she can take on Rubio – and she can win. CNN is already calling Florida's Senate seat one of the 10 most likely to flip. The difference between Marco Rubio and Val Demings couldn’t be clearer: Time after time, Rubio sought to forgive Trump’s worst abuses, while Rep. Demings fought against them and to uphold our democracy. She has dedicated her life to serving the public and Florida.

I can’t wait to call her a U.S. senator – but she needs your help to get there. This is a race we can win – but not without your help. Thank you, Adam Schiff