[1]Cheri Beasley for North Carolina

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

I’m grateful to everyone who helped get this campaign across the finish line. The volunteers who knocked on doors, made phone calls, and drove people to the polls. I’m grateful to so many who I met along the way.

Thank you to my husband, Curt, whose partnership made all of this possible! Thank you to my sons, Matthew and Thomas, who inspire and teach me every day. I wouldn’t be standing here today without your support - and I love you all so much.

Last night, I called Senator-elect Budd and congratulated him. I offered him my support and encouraged him to stand in the tradition of our state to be an independent leader that puts North Carolina first. I hope he will.

I’m so proud of the race we ran. I’m proud that all along we stayed true to our mission - that this would be a race about the people, not politics. Even when others didn’t, we believed in North Carolina — and I do still.

This isn’t the outcome we wanted, but we have made history in North Carolina. I’m thinking of all those before me who blazed their own trails so that I could reach the end of this one.

I’m thinking of my late mother, Lou Beasley, who showed me the importance of public service, of working for justice for all and for standing for what’s right. She was a great example. She knew the importance of staying the course and valuing the right to vote. My mother was granted the right to vote 57 years ago with the passage of the Voting Rights Act. 57 years later, the work to make voting truly accessible continues.

I’m thinking of my Grandaddy Clarence and my grandmother Mimi, Rebecca from Alabama, who married very young and searched for a better life for their family. With 76 cents in his pocket Granddaddy Clarence hopped a train to Nashville, TN with dreams of a better future in his heart. He worked on the railroad his whole life believing that for all his sacrifice, his children and grandchildren would have it better. My Grandaddy Clarence and Mimi believed firmly in the American Dream. Despite the challenges they faced and the injustices they weathered, my grandparents worked hard to build a better future for their children and grandchildren.

I am my grandparents’ American Dream.

Regardless of the result — I remain resolved to fight for our beloved state. Because North Carolina is worth fighting for. Because our American Dreams are worth pursuing.

This election was never about the names on the ballot. It’s been about you, the people of this state, and your future.

After two decades as a judge, I ran for the U.S. Senate for a simple reason: I love this state. But I’ve seen how Washington has failed people here.

Over the last 19 months, I met North Carolinians in all 100 counties. You shared with me your struggles — from jobs that don’t pay the rent to medication that costs too much to loved ones who need health care but couldn’t afford it to small business owners who are the backbone of our economy and need leaders with a backbone to do what’s best for them. I’ve spoken with farmers who’re paying too much for fertilizer and for gas for farm equipment. I’ve heard from those who’ve been fearful of the threats to our democracy. And you shared with me your hopes — good schools for your children, regardless of your ZIP code, safe communities to live in, opportunities to prosper and thrive. I’ve seen time and again what I already knew — the people of our state are tough, resilient, and generous.

And I heard from so many of you who wanted Washington to set aside the special interests and corporate donors and instead focus on helping our families. Nurturing our communities.

While Washington focuses on pointing fingers, the people of North Carolina know we have to point forward.

Because I, like you, still believe in a future where our rights are protected and our freedoms fulfilled.

Where seniors can retire with dignity and prescription drugs don’t break the bank.

Where people can work one - not two, not three jobs - to support a family and you don’t have to go to college to get that job.

Where YOUR leaders work for YOU — not themselves, and not their corporate donors and special interest groups.

Where an American Dream is a possibility of tomorrow for all — not just a story of the past for some.

And while I am disappointed — I am not defeated. While I wish for a different outcome, I am not leaving the fight because the issues that I ran on are too important and an election doesn’t determine my voice or my continued commitment to fight with you.

Progress in this country has never been promised. It takes time. And always in the face of injustice and adversity, we have continued to fight. By taking up the fight, we have made progress.

It is because of this that I stand before you - the first African American woman to be nominated to the U.S. Senate from North Carolina. The first African American woman to serve as Chief Justice. This fight has made my story possible.

And with unprecedented attacks on our rights and our democracy hanging in the balance, we simply cannot afford to give up the fight.

Thank you for your hard work and commitment these last two years. I am filled with gratitude and hope for having been in this fight alongside you, and for all that is to come.

Thank you and may God bless North Carolina.

- Cheri Beasley

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