08/08/2018
My friends, nearly a year ago I launched my campaign for State Representative for the 40th District. I set out to run a positive campaign putting forward substantive solutions, while also refocusing on the people, hearing their concerns and making them feel like they had a voice. I am incredibly proud of our campaign and all of the work so many people did to help us be successful. Unfortunately, today we came up short. I truly believe this campaign had a winning message, we just weren’t able to get that message out to enough people, and that falls solely on me, and for that, I am sorry.
I first want to thank EVERYONE who helped this campaign, from my incredible interns and volunteers to my generous donors, every person who gave to this campaign is responsible for all of the support we received. To my family, who came through both financially and on the campaign trail, my father, who took a week and a half off of work just to knock doors in these final days of the campaign, thank you, I could not have done this without you. I also want to specifically thank Brian Koss, one of my best friends, who I bothered daily with campaign items mostly without regard for his schedule; Brian, thank you for everything you did for me, I truly couldn’t have done this work-wise or emotionally without your support and insight.
I also want to thank the hundreds of people who cast their vote for me, this has truly been the most humbling experience I’ve ever had. That people trusted me enough to cast their vote for me to represent their voice in government is incredible, and I thank people for that trust. I had hoped to fight every day for them and all of the people in my district, and try to live up to the standard they deserve to have in their state representative. I am confident that our nominee will do just that, and I wanted to take the time to specifically congratulate David Wolkinson for their victory in this race, I wish you the best of luck heading into the general election, and I’m sure you will make a great State Representative.
I have always wanted to devote my life to helping others, from a young age I found that helping people through public service and public policy was where my passion was. I will continue to have that same passion to find ways to help others, be it through politics, or a new area I have yet to participate in. Today is a sad day for me, but I am still just as devoted to helping others as ever.
Thank you all again for all of your support, even before I was a candidate for office, I would not be the man I am today without you. I love you all, and I am optimistic for the future, all of our future.