California Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee made her long-awaited Senate bid official Tuesday in a new social media video.
"No one is rolling out the welcome mat, especially for someone like me," Lee says to start the video.
I escaped a violent marriage, became a single mom, a homeless mom, a mom who couldn't afford childcare and brought her kids to class with her.
They didn't want to hear my voice, or anyone who wasn't like them, but by the grace of God, I didn't let that stop me."
The ad continues to reference her relationship with former President Barack Obama, her role in the Violence Against Women Act, support of the LGBTQ community.