Dear Friend,

This morning I stood outside of the 77th Street subway station, just as I have after every one of my elections since 2018. It is a moment for me to look my constituents in the eye and thank them for voting, even if it wasn’t for me, and let them know it’s my privilege to work for them in the coming term.

I greeted many neighbors who were saddened, exhausted and scared about the outcome of last night's election. Many spoke of their fears of what a second Trump term will mean for them and their loved ones. We all woke up to the worst case scenario– Trump has won the Presidency again, the US Senate has flipped and we are too close to call on many House seats, where the leadership hangs in the balance.

We can and should process what this means and grieve the future we want for our country, but we can not wallow for too long at the moment. We also need to have an honest assessment and understanding of how and why this was the bleakest Democratic presidential performance in New York in nearly 40 years. Our work continues and in many ways has become even more important. I’m not giving up, and I hope you are not either.

There are still some victories that we should make sure to celebrate, despite this grim moment. Proposition 1, the Equal Rights Amendment, won overwhelmingly across the state. This ballot amendment enshrines our rights and freedom in our state constitution. A decade long effort that showed the power of what our state party can do when we organize and work together. A bright spot on an overall bleak night.

Today, I’m thinking about the words of fictional character Toby Ziegler, from my favorite show “The West Wing”, who inspiringly reminds us that “It’s not the battles we lose, it’s the ones we don’t suit up for.”

I’m ready to suit up, I’m ready to do the work to organize, protect, and fight back. I promise you I will go back to Albany to ensure New York State continues to be a xxxxxx against a Trump presidency that aims at undermining our freedoms.

It’s ok to be lost in our feelings today. Take care of yourself, and when you’re ready to get back to the fight, I’ll be right beside you.

As always, thank you for your faith in me. Representing my neighbors in the State Senate is the privilege of a lifetime.