I am grateful for the support my campaign has received in the initial election results. There are many more ballots to be counted in Washington state, and I am confident that our election officials are fair and nonpartisan and that the final ballot count will be accurate.

Everyone who has taken the time to cast a ballot has strengthened our democracy and has my thanks. I also want to thank my staff and the volunteers who supported our campaign. Your hard work helped tens of thousands of people make informed decisions in this critical election.

Thank you also to my spouse, Tiia, for her constant support. My work for our community would not be possible without her.

And of course, thank you to all my supporters across the 2nd District. Representing my friends and neighbors in Congress is an honor I never take for granted. Regardless of what the final results of this election are, I know there is more work to be done – to protect reproductive freedom, to combat the opioid epidemic, and to keep the jobs engine going.

As results come in Washington state and across the country, I urge everyone to remain peaceful. It is the most essential promise of our democracy that the outcome of this election be determined by, and only by, the voters.

More soon,

Rick