Growing up here, I learned some important values: work hard; be humble; have each other’s backs; there’s more that unites us than divides us. I also learned the importance of grace in defeat.

I’ve called Marc Molinaro to congratulate him on his hard-fought victory, to wish him all the best in Congress, and to thank his family for the sacrifices they’ve made in the spirit of public service. I appreciate Marc’s stated commitment to opposing a national abortion ban, improving funding for mental health services, and creating good jobs in Upstate New York.

With the ballots cast, votes counted, and campaign ended, it’s important to set aside our divisions and do our best to unite. It’s in that spirit that I wish Marc success as he goes to Washington to serve us and represent us.

This is not the result we had hoped for, and I’ll be honest: I’m disappointed. But I’m not discouraged. In fact, quite the opposite: this campaign has inspired me. It has been the privilege of my career to build this campaign with all of you and take it across Upstate New York, meeting with so many people who have given me hope.

There was the little girl I met in Chatham who was fighting cancer– who was going through so much yet had a huge smile on her face as she told me about her new passion–horses. It offers perspective: with all the challenges in the world, it’s our kids who know best.

There was the farmer I met in Tompkins County who had opened up her land so that Burmese refugees who had come to America could continue their own farming traditions in their new land, on hers–a reminder that what really makes America great is our diversity and our generosity of spirit.

There have been so many workers and entrepreneurs I’ve met along the way who share my vision for building a new economy that works for working families. Let’s invest right here at home, creating the high-tech jobs of the future, making the things the world needs to meet this moment–solar panels, semiconductors, clean energy batteries. Good jobs. Good wages. Good benefits. A clear path to the Middle Class and a brighter future.

I told my team last week, I don’t know if we will win or lose, but I do know that we will not be outworked. And we weren’t. My campaign team is the best team I’ve ever been part of, and I’m eternally grateful to them.

There’s one person who, by far, did more than anyone to make this campaign possible: my wife, Monica. She’s been my closest advisor, my best friend, and the love of my life. She’s been my partner throughout this campaign, and there’s nobody I’d rather have as my partner in whatever we do next.

My son, Patricio, is too young to appreciate all this campaign has entailed, but I’m old enough to appreciate the perspective and inspiration he’s given me to do it. Being his dad is and always will be my most important and gratifying role.

And most of all, I want to thank everyone who supported our campaign. You stepped up and participated in our Democracy at a time when it would have been easier not to. For everyone who was part of this effort–knocking doors, making phone calls, chipping in, offering encouragement–there are no words to express how much it means to me, how much it has inspired me, and how much it has kept me going–so thank you.

With gratitude and high hopes, I offer my congratulations to Marc Molinaro and my endless thanks to Upstate New York.

— Josh Riley