We didn’t know what to expect when Kamala asked supporters like you to tell us how you were feeling following the troubling results of the presidential election.
We knew people were hurting and wanted to give you an outlet to express your views and let you know that you are not alone in this moment. The results were both inspiring and heartbreaking to read.
Many people are feeling powerless right now. You are worried about the future of our country and scared for what is to come, especially for immigrant families and communities of color. Virtually everyone who submitted a story understood that the cause of justice and equality in this country has never been more urgent.
And most importantly: you intend to fight.
That was perfectly illustrated when we took the most common words supporters like you used in the thousands of stories we collected to create a word cloud:
We felt it was important to share some of these stories. We may be strangers, but we are connected in this movement—not just because of our support for Kamala, but because we all have a responsibility to take action in the coming months and years.
And we believe it is important we listen to each other right now:
“Post-election has been a time of reflection and introspection. It is a powerful wake-up call to all of us. We must engage in the process to stand up and fight for the rights we hold dear.” – L. from Los Angeles
“I was born in America and was taught not to leave anyone behind as we try to improve our lives and those of our families. We have to advance together so that everyone benefits the same. The military taught me we don’t leave anyone behind.” – P. from Galveston
“I’m feeling more motivated than ever in my life to work for social justice, particularly women’s rights and getting our legislation to reflect our population. I will not wait and see.” – J. from San Mateo
“I’m angry and I will fight for women’s rights, fight against racism, fight for the LGBT community, fight for raising the minimum wage, fight for affordable healthcare for everyone, fight for our environment, fight for keeping corporations and banks in check, fight to keep our food safe, fight for saving Social Security and for our elderly. I will fight for what’s right! I will wear my safety pin so that you know that I’m here for you if you need me!” – J. from Los Angeles
“I came across the border illegally. This day I stand proud to be a citizen and a willing participant in our process. I do so because America has given a person like me hope. This nation has been great and we will fight tirelessly to defend rights that equal us all. Rights that allow for us to live. Human rights is what draws my passion. I will till the day I die volunteer for any cause that helps others find health, acceptance, and equality.” – V. in San Diego
“I am a woman. I am queer. My president-elect doesn’t see my value, except beyond physical traits. If he happened to find me attractive enough, he might sexually assault me. That’s the reality we are living in. Still, I am one of the lucky ones. But some of the people I love the most can’t hide in anonymity of whiteness, straightness, during this wave of hate. I will not stop speaking out, I will not stop fighting for them and myself.” – A. from Los Angeles
“As a disabled person I am extremely concerned with the hateful racism and disgraceful rhetoric. I don’t like the way Donald Trump started the election and his presidential campaign with such bigotry and hate. Now after the election things are getting out of hand with the hate he has brought out in people. This must be condemned and completely stopped.” – C. from Chester
“I feel disappointed in the results of the election and very worried for the future of this country. we cannot allow a Trump presidency to take us backwards in terms of civil rights and women’s rights. I want to become more active in making sure all the advances we’ve made are protected.” – R. from Los Angeles
“As a gay man, I have witnessed change for our community under the Obama administration. At 57 years, I am happy to see these changes come about in my lifetime. I am concerned that these newly won rights will disappear with the election of Trump.” – D. from San Diego
“I feel sadness, anger, anxiety since the election. I am determined not to give up though! I have donated to Planned Parenthood and applied to volunteer for them.” – C. from San Bernardino
“I’m feeling heartbroken, frightened, and angry. We need to immediately find ways to protect the millions most vulnerable to Donald Trump’s hateful policies. At the same time, the climate won’t wait for four years. I will maintain a focus on climate change, working to build a giant movement to create a livable future with peace, justice, and a sustainable environment.” – L. from Sacramento
“I’ve been advising folks coming to me for advice as their priest to take this election as a reminder that being a person of faith is not a desk job. I am planning greater involvement with our local interfaith councils in order to build relationship and solidarity in the face of potential deportations/registration of people from particular backgrounds. I’m also seeking the right involvement in environmental issues; if we don’t have a planet, none of the rest of it is going to matter.” – J. from Oakland
After nearly two years of hard work and dedication, I am proud to tell you that we won our election last night. I am humbled and honored to serve you and the people of California in the U.S. Senate.
There is so much to be grateful for in the results coming from our beautiful and diverse state, but it is clear that the cause of justice and equality has never been more urgent.
I know the way many of you are feeling in this moment. The only thing I can say is this: we must not and we cannot despair. We must not be overwhelmed in our national loss—or focus only on our victory here in California. We cannot throw up our hands at a time that requires all of us to roll up our sleeves.
We can either retreat or we can fight. I intend to FIGHT for who we are. I hope you join me.
I intend to fight for a state that has the largest number of immigrants, both documented and undocumented. We must bring them justice and dignity and fairness through comprehensive immigration reform.
I intend to fight for Black Lives Matter and to ensure truth, transparency, and trust in our criminal justice system.
I intend to fight for a woman’s access to health care and reproductive rights.
I intend to fight against those naysayers who suggest there is no such thing as climate change. Now is the time to intensify the fight for our environment, not abandon it. Our children’s future literally depends on it.
I intend to fight for the civil rights of all people, because no one should be denied housing, employment or the right to marry the person they love.
I intend to fight for our students and invest in them. We cannot let them graduate with devastating amounts of debt. Education is the only path to success, we must solve the student loan debt crisis.
I intend to fight for commonsense gun safety because it’s the right thing to do. I have not forgotten the lives that were lost in San Bernardino, Sandy Hook, or the tragic attack on my friend, Gabby Giffords.
So, here’s the deal: our ideals are at stake right now and we will have to fight for who we are. This is a pivotal moment in the history of America.
I believe it is an inflection point—similar to the time and place when my parents met and were active in the Civil Rights Movement. I believe this is a moment in time when many of us must look in the mirror with furrowed brow and ask ourselves: who are we?
I believe that answer is a good one. We are a great country. Imperfect, but great because of our values, ideals, and diversity. One presidential election cannot erase that.
It is important to remember what Coretta Scott King taught us. That the fight for civil rights—the fight for justice and equality—must be fought and won with each generation. It is the very nature of this fight that whatever gains we make, they will not be permanent.
The same is true of our opponents. The gains they have made in this election are not permanent. That is why we must come together right now—not despair—and fight for who we are and the country we want to be.
Thank you for everything you have done in this election. I am humbled by the fact that we would not be here without you.
This campaign for Senate has ended, but the work is just beginning. Please stay involved. Please own a piece of the next four years and help us fight for the future of this country. Together, we can do this.
The direction of this country will be determined on Tuesday. November 8. And your vote is important in deciding our future.
Tom McClintock has served nearly 8 years in Congress. It’s time for a change. He is a career Politician; I am a medical doctor. I have spent my life on the front line of medicine, seeing the struggles of so many. He and I differ on so many issues important to the future of our children and the future of this great country.
We need a Congress that will “reach across the aisle” to compromise, and avoid a government shut-down, which Tom voted for.
We need a Congress to reach agreement on solving the problem of our outrageous cost of healthcare.
We need a strong consumer finance protection bureau to protect your rights against abuses by big banks and finance companies like Wells Fargo.
We need a well-managed forest policy for the Sierra Nevada to protect our watershed and sustain our billion-dollar tourist economy.
We need to protect our air quality standards to prevent the choking smog that has closed schools is some parts of the world.
We need to protect our clean water standards to prevent our families from being exposed to toxic chemicals and bacteria.
And we need to close the massive tax loopholes enjoyed by the Donald Trump billionaires and Wall Street mega-corporations.
Don’t be fooled! What they don’t pay — you will!
This election boils down to this: Do you what a Congress that writes the rules to favor special interests and take away your freedoms, or a Congress to write rules that will favor, benefit, and protect all of us?
I will work for you to ensure a Common Sense Government and a fair playing field for a free market economy and the people who live here.
I need your vote on Tuesday. Please assist our campaign and contribute.
California has broken records with more than 19 million citizens registered to vote! And with less than a week to go until Election Day, it’s time to help get out the vote. Share these three easy steps with your friends and family to have a smooth voting experience whether you vote by mail or at the polls on November 8.
Step 1: Make A Plan to Vote
Vote-by-mail voters: California law says ballots must be postmarked by November 8 and received by your county elections office within three days of the election in order to count. Bottom line: the earlier, the better. You may also return your vote-by-mail ballot in person at your county elections office or to any polling place in your county before 8:00 pm on Election Day.
Some counties also offer early in-person voting and drop-off locations before Election Day. Check your options here.
Election Day voters: Polls are open on Election Day, November 8, from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can also find your polling place:
The November 2016 ballot is a long one, with many candidates and 17 statewide ballot measures. This Quick Guide to Props provides nonpartisan analysis of each proposition, including arguments for and against and helpful campaign finance information.
Ensure your vote counts this November. Know your rights when it comes to dropping off or getting a new ballot, getting election materials in a language other than English, casting a secret ballot, and how to report problems.
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