John,

Our state has experienced one soul-crushing crisis after another over the past few years. But even during these trying times, the fighting spirit of Georgia has prevailed.

We’ve seen what’s possible when we stand up for our neighbors and protect each other. We’ve made sacrifices, we’ve pitched in, we’ve seen each other's fights as our own and done things we never thought we could.

It is in the spirit of that endurance and persistence that I decided to run for governor.

I got into this race for one reason and one reason only: to fight. Not just any fight — a fight to save Georgia. A fight on behalf of our children and future generations to come. A fight on behalf of our people. A fight for basic human rights. A fight for the values we hold dear. A fight for what we know to be true deep down in our bones: that Georgia deserves more.

Over the last year, in big cities and small towns, living rooms and classrooms across this state, I’ve met thousands of people face to face. And here is what I know for sure:

We come from different backgrounds, different religions and different languages. We have different dreams about what is to come. But despite our differences, for the most part, we want the same things.

We want to live in a Georgia that works for everyone.

A Georgia where every person has a voice in our democracy, because voting is a fundamental right and not a privilege for the wealthy few. A Georgia where we can all breathe clean air and drink clean water, because we decided to use our power to fix our climate and save our planet.

A Georgia where hope lives in the heart of every child along with opportunity, because we’ve invested in quality education and a pathway to a life full of dignity. A Georgia where every person can afford to see a doctor and get their prescription filled and afford the housing they need.

I’m talking about the Georgia of our greatest imaginations.

And here is what gives me hope. Over the last year across this great state, countless Georgians were ready to come off the sidelines and fight for that Georgia.

So to every volunteer, every organizer, every door knocker, every phone banker, every donor, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the people of Georgia, thank you for believing in me, thank you for taking a chance on me.

And while I’m thanking everyone, I want to take a moment to thank my family. Mom and Dad, your lessons propel me and my family sustains me. Together, you ground me in times of triumph and bolster me in times of difficulty.

I’m reminded of what scripture tells of troubling times:

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says this: We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

I know the results were not what we had hoped for last night. And I understand that many of you are hurting and disappointed. I am too.

We may have come up short, but the truth is undeniable: the vision and values that fueled this campaign will never be destroyed.

Thank you,

Stacey

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