I’d like to start by saying thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

When we launched this campaign, we had no idea how much this movement would grow. And by the end of Election Day, we reached hundreds of thousands of voters, all with the support of thousands of volunteers. And my favorite number: we walked over 3 million steps in all 75 counties in Arkansas.

I’m deeply grateful for every Arkansan I met and listened to along the way. I’m grateful for every person who dedicated their time and resources to our campaign. Whether you knocked on doors, put up a yard sign, reminded friends to vote, made phone calls, or contributed a few dollars to our movement, it means a lot to me — and I don’t take it for granted.

In the last few weeks, we left it all out on the field. We stayed committed to grassroots organizing through the end. Reaching every possible voter was always our priority, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But we faced some unexpected last-minute expenses, and that means we still have costs to cover from our final round of outreach.

I’ve told you the story of the bumblebee — about how when scientists first began studying it, they determined that it was aerodynamically impossible for it to fly. Its body is really big, its wings are really tiny, and there’s no way it should be able to get off the ground. But I guess someone forgot to give the bumblebee the memo — because it flies anyway. The bumblebee intuitively knows something that it took decades for scientists to discover: its wings create a vortex to help it fly. And this movement is still our vortex.

So while we’re disappointed about the results of this election, I want you to always remember the power of our vortex. Even when we were counted out, we still achieved liftoff, we still built a campaign organization that will outlast this election, and now we’re ready to keep on soaring. This election was always about you and all the people of Arkansas. And even though we didn’t come out on top, my mission remains the same: to lead with Faith, Hope, and Hard Work to improve the lives of every Arkansan. Because this great state of ours and our people are worth fighting for.

We won’t get the opportunity to lead Arkansas in the governor’s office, but our work doesn’t stop here. Since day one, we were committed to delivering for Arkansans, and with all the unprecedented attacks we’ve seen on our most fundamental rights, I’m more committed than ever to fighting alongside you for our shared values. We’ve seen what this vortex is capable of, and I have no doubt that each and every member of Team Jones will hold our new governor accountable and continue to work toward meaningful change in our communities.

Our work continues, because our democracy still needs us. We have to keep working to engage all Arkansans, because we still need bold change — and we need it now more than ever.

And trust me — Arkansas hasn’t seen the last of Team Jones.

Let’s keep the faith,

Chris