Hello John,
I've taken a day to reflect on the results of the primary election. Although things didn't turn out as we would have hoped, I have so much to be thankful for and have internalized many valuable lessons learned.
THANK YOU to everyone who supported me, voted for me, donated to my campaign, sent texts, made phone calls, knocked on doors, gathered petitions, put signs in yards, and simply told others about my candidacy. There are not enough words to express how deeply thankful I am for every ounce of your kindness and support.
While this may be the end of my candidacy for Congressional office, there is still a great deal of work to do. I may take some time to remember what a full night's sleep is, to have dinners with my family, and to binge on the best shows that I've missed over the past 8 months, but then it's time to get back to work.
The LESSONS LEARNED from the campaign trail will fuel my next chapter:
- Not Enough People Vote: with a turnout of just 26% in our district, we need to reach more voters and help them realize that their vote is their voice and that it can be so powerful.
- Campaigning is Rough: I commend anyone who puts themselves out there to run for office. I never imagined the lies and threats that would be cast in my direction from both left and right of the aisle. Remaining true to my morals and values was the only way to overcome the negativity and misinformation.
- Fundraising is a Necessary Evil: consider giving to the candidates you believe in. They literally cannot do it without a constant stream of funding coming into the campaign.
- People are Kind-Hearted: we are diverse in so many ways, but there are always commonalities to find. I was honored to meet so many wonderful people who were passionate about the issues that plagued their lives. People shared stories, marched in protest, asked tough questions, and offered words of advice out of the goodness of their hearts.
- Our Future is Bright: we may live in the reddest district in the state, but the Democratic presence continues to gain momentum and will be here for the long haul. Continue fighting for causes that motivate you, support candidates who will fight for you, donate your time and resources, and never stop believing that the blue wave is smoldering and building with every cycle.
I may not know exactly what is next for me, but I will remain active in the Democratic Party supporting the causes that I believe in. The challenges that face us grow every day. Now is the time to fight!
We have an important election coming up in November. The stakes are high. Be sure to get involved and make a difference.
Thanks,
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P.S. Our store is still open if you'd like to grab any Beat Matt Gaetz items or campaign momentos. Also, we will continue to accept donations to help cover our hefty legal fees if you are interested in helping.
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