John, the votes are in and I’m the FIRST member of Gen Z to be elected to Congress.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. People like you allowed me to run a campaign to be proud of. One that values Gen Z as the legitimate powerhouse we are. One that refuses to shy away from the realities we face. One that isn’t just a piggy bank for shady special interest millionaires to fill when they feel like it.

Tonight we made history, but this has never been about just one election. Young people across the country understand what is at stake: we have watched our leaders fail to act and have experienced more school shooter drills than fire drills. We will face the harshest consequences if Congress fails to act on climate change, gun violence, and an economic system that increasingly serves only the wealthy.

Those who use patriotism to divide us may have won some battles tonight. But we know true patriotism is not just a shallow love of country, it is loving the people of this country and fighting for the most vulnerable among us.

I’m ready to fight for our future in Congress.We cannot afford to surrender or let our momentum falter.