Concession Speech - Nov. 4, 2014

Concession speech by Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) after losing her bid for a second term to Republican Thom Tillis.

Hello, everybody. It is so good to see you. Thank you do much for being here. [APPLAUSE]

Thank you so much for your friendship. Thank you for being here tonight.

I just called Speaker Tillis to congratulate him and to tell him we will work with him during this transition period.

I really first want to thank my fabulous husband, Chip. [APPLAUSE] You know, it's been one of the greatest blessings in my life to have Chip with me by my side, standing with me as we really work for the values we hold dear in North Carolina. Chip, thank you for your unending support.

I also want to thank my kids. You know, the best. Absolutely the best. And my baby grandson, Harrison. And another one that is on the way. These kids will hear some great stories, fun fun stories

And I want to thank each and every one of you, all of you here tonight, so many people across North Carolina. Our supporters, our volunteers, and our incredible staff. [APPLAUSE]

Please know I consider each of you a friend. Thank you for standing with me during this campaign. It has been a long couple of years, but none of it would have been possible without the long hours so many of you logged, knocking on doors, making all of those phone calls, making sure people all across our state could have their voice heard.

You weren't just standing with me, though. You were standing with working families all across North Carolina. Those are the families that I have worked to represent my six years in the U.S. Senate, and those are the families that still need a voice. [APPLAUSE]

This campaign has ended, but our work to improve the lives of North Carolinians and to build an economy that works for everyone isn't over.

In North Carolina, I know everybody in this room knows that we have a state toast – the Land of the Long-Leaf Pine – and in that state toast we say – if you know it you can say it with me: "Here's to the land of the long-leaf pine, the summer land where the sun doth shine, where the wheat grows strong and the strong grow great. Here's to down home, the old north state."

You know, I have done my very best to give North Carolina the opportunity for every North Carolinian to grow both strong and great, because that's what our state.... [APPLAUSE]

…that's what our state is really all about.

It has been such an honor to hear your stories, your dreams, and your hopes. I will always be grateful for the trust that you placed in me and for the chance to serve our great state.

Y'all, it has been fabulous, and what an incredible family, state, staff, supporters we have all across this great, great state. And all of our volunteers. Oh my goodness, I see so many of you out there and every one of you should be right up here on stage with me tonight.

So God bless you. We're going to continue to make North Carolina have everybody have an opportunity to grow both strong and great.

God bless you and God bless the state of North Carolina. [APPLAUSE]

Thank you – very much!

Speech from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtltoPBUDdo.