Victory Speech - November 6, 2018

I know tonight we will flip the House of Representatives because the president needs to be held accountable for selling out working people and for the hateful policies that spew out of him and tear our country apart. More than ever I am grateful and I am humbled for your vote because I am serving to honor that common- that- that common bond that drives our advocacy, the fight for the empowerment of others, the fight for those who are most at risk, those most in need, those who need to be listened to, and those who are being marginalized. We recognize that we are all brothers and sisters in our struggle for equality and justice, and I know that we should show the world that we are united as ever in fighting for equality for every single American regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural identity, because injustice against one is an injustice against all of us.

And the truth is our work is not finished by a longshot because the promise of truth and justice is what binds us together. And we know deep inside our hearts and soul that now is not the time to remain silent. I've often said that we are called to be the light of the world and that's exactly what this moment in time needs. All of us has been fighting against what is wrong, what is evil, what is dark, because only light can drive out darkness.

So we've done all the work, we've gotten our friends and loved ones to the polls and I've never seen more energy than I've seen today. I want to thank every single one person who worked hard in this election, every single one of you who knocked on doors, who made phone calls, who helped first time candidates get elected, and everyone who stood in very long lines today in the rain to vote.

And for all those who didn't vote, it is time for the antiquated voting laws that disenfranchise voters to be gone. It's time to bring our Elections into the 21st century right here in New York. It's time for early voting, automatic and online voter registration, and no excuse absentee voting. There is no time for excuses because the right to vote is too precious to squander on the status quo.

Last but certainly not least I want to thank my campaign manager, Greg Smiley, for delivering this campaign for me. Thank you to everyone who's been part of this fight. Keep fighting, do not give up, do not give in. The moral arc of history may be long, but I promise you it does bend towards justice let's keep fighting.