Where we go from here.

Dear friends, supporters, and those who are grieving,

Like many of you, Tuesday’s election results left me feeling heartbroken and afraid. We fought so hard for a different outcome, and it’s discouraging to think about how much we’ve already given… only to realize there’s so much further to go.

But while this reality is difficult, it’s also a reminder of why we came together in the first place. Change never comes easily, and progress has always demanded persistence. Together, we’ve already shown that we have the strength, the passion, and the resilience to keep pushing forward, even when the road is rough.

On that note, I want to thank each and every one of you who volunteered, donated, encouraged us, and voted on Tuesday. This campaign absolutely broke barriers in Alabama. We started with nothing - no infrastructure, no existing base in the area, and no major source of funding. As the first Democratic candidate to run for the office since 2018, we were able to get over 102,000 votes - more than any Democrat has gotten in over 30 years and nearly 30% of the vote. We raised $200,000 with 100% grassroots funding - almost all small-dollar donations, with no Super PAC or corporate money, and zero party funding.  

This is a testament to your power: we did this together. While we may not have achieved the result we hoped for, I am immensely proud of the movement we built together. I am grateful for the time, energy, and unwavering dedication you poured into this effort.  

Throughout this campaign, I was often asked, “Why bother?” I was told that District 6 is solidly red and not worth it. The people who said that were wrong on both counts. This campaign showed that we are here. Almost one third of District 6 voters showed up and demanded a better future because Alabama’s future is worth fighting for.

This defeat stings, but the fight is far from over. Now is not the time to back down, lose hope, or give up. Now is the time we gather our courage and prepare to fight back even harder against what’s coming. Trump and his allies (including Gary Palmer) have made it clear that they are coming for our civil rights. Do not make it easy for them. They want us to be so exhausted and afraid that we surrender. Do not give them the satisfaction.  

I hope that you take some time over the coming days and weeks to rest and try to restore joy to your lives, in spite of the fear and anger that we are all feeling. As the poet Toi Derricotte wrote, “Joy is an act of resistance.” But once you are restored, I hope you will join me in fighting back.

In the days ahead, I will be going back to what I have always done to build the community I want to see. That means activism, protest, engagement with policy, advocacy, and direct action. It means mutual aid, volunteering, and organizing to build community resources. It means donating to causes like abortion funds and legal aid organizations. It means civic engagement, reading about the issues, learning more every day, and educating others along the way. It means that we continue to run for office, because voters deserve a choice for change.

And it means connecting with our friends, our families, and our neighbors. Even though we are hurting, being intentional about building community is how we build solidarity and find the strength to stand up to what is to come. Millions of people across the country stood on the right side together. Find them. Our journey ahead isn’t easy, but we have the power to make a difference together.

Thank you for standing with me and with each other yesterday, today, and every day ahead of us.

In solidarity,