Let me explain:

My ancestors could not have imagined that I would be where I am today. Democrat John King is campaigning to be Maryland's first Black and Puerto Rican governor. As a lifelong educator who served as President Obama's Secretary of Education, he's committed to a more prosperous and just future for our state. To learn more about our historic campaign, check out our [website](. You are receiving these emails because you are a committed Democratic activist. If you do not wish to be a part of our movement to elect Maryland's first Black and Puerto Rican governor, please [unsubscribe](. {NAME}, Building a movement for real change may sound like a long shot, but the truth is my whole life has been about defying the odds. My ancestors could not have imagined that I would be where I am today. I live in ​​Silver Spring, Maryland, less than 25 miles from where my great-grandfather, Charles King, and his family were enslaved. I cannot even fathom what they went through, and just one generation later, in 1894, my grandmother was one of the earliest graduates of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Because my ancestors survived, my family is here today. And my family story continues to inspire me: [King's Parents]( [King's Uncle]( [King's Uncle playing basketball]( They instilled in me that I could do anything. With their guidance and example, I had the opportunity to do something they could not have imagined. → [King with Obama]( My family’s story is of inequality and progress — two attributes still very much alive in Maryland today. But it is this background that pushed me to run for governor of Maryland. If elected, I will make history once more — as the nation’s first Afro-Latino governor and the first Black governor in Maryland— and in the journey to this role, I have both experienced struggles that are the legacy of our history and lived the promise of progress. Because of that, I will work tirelessly to move us forward together toward a more just future. ​​ I want an opportunity to serve Maryland and fight for those who have too often been ignored. But to do so, I need grassroots support. [Will you officially endorse my campaign today by adding your name? →]( [ENDORSE JOHN]( Thank you for listening to my story and for supporting my campaign, John King --------------------------------------------------------------- Paid for by John King for Governor, Eliza Leighton, Treasurer John King for Governor PO Box 8429 Silver Spring, MD 20107 United States [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [CONTRIBUTE TODAY]( [CONTRIBUTE MONTHLY]( If you would like to learn more about John King's historic campaign for Maryland governor, visit his [website](. If you would prefer to not get updates from the campaign, please [unsubscribe]( This message was sent to {EMAIL}