First of all, thank you for all you did to help my campaign to become California’s next governor. I am forever grateful and inspired by the campaign we ran and by our effort to create a more inclusive California. We must forge ahead for the well-being of our state and our country.
As you know, I am an optimist. And while I know we all fought hard for a different outcome last night, when the leading candidate was also pouring money into getting the opponent he wanted in the general election, regardless of the threats to our democracy, it only reaffirms we have much work to do to secure our democratic values.
I have no regrets about running, about the race that we ran (except that we did not win) or about the message we delivered. Do I wish I had $20 million to deliver that message? Well, yes, and that’s another reason why we need to fix our system. A system where money is the barometer of worth and the key to access is not a system that will create the California we want to live in.
Your time, your contributions, your notes, your encouragement — I feel so fortunate to have met so many new leaders on this journey, and to have so many old friends with me, too. We defied the odds, while showing that we pay a high price for ending up with the best candidates money can buy. I commit to continue to speak out to change that reality.
The hardest part for me is, yes, not being able to work together with you as your governor to create the great vision we had for California. I am sorry if I let you down. We worked our hardest, and your tireless efforts moved every voter that we were able to reach toward the arch of justice. Other candidates echoed our positions, including the Democratic front runner. Let us hold him accountable.
We had a campaign that was built on respect, integrity and hard work. My next effort, I hope with many of you again, will be no different. For the moment I need to work on retiring our campaign debt (yes, the reality 🙂 ), reflecting on the best way for me to have an impact on our future, and spending some time with friends and family. I am forever grateful to each and every one of you for standing with me.
On the 50th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination, I share some of his words that make me think of all of you:
“Each time a man [sic] stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” Thank you for all the ripples of hope I know you will continue to send out to build that current.
With immense gratitude and respect,
Delaine
p.s. Share this message here.
