We did it. We won this campaign. Our victory last night was for jobs and working people across this district and across the country. It was for protecting our reproductive freedoms, for our climate, and for the clean energy future that we need. And it was for everyone who believes in our fundamental rights and in our democracy. Last night was also special to me because I got to celebrate this moment with my family. My father was the person that inspired me to get into politics and introduced me to the labor movement as a union leader and he stood by my side as we realized that we had enough votes to win. We held our election night watch party at the local 290 plumber and pipefitters hall because it was important to celebrate this win in a union hall to make sure there is no question where my focus will be in Congress, squarely in the fight for working families. I want to thank everyone who's been a part of the broad coalition of support that we built in this campaign. It's because of your support and your work that we were able to win this race. We ran a campaign focused on the issues that matter to Oregon's families on a day to day basis - the issues that I have focused on throughout my life and my time in public service. I am so proud of the campaign that we ran because it was authentic and it was honest. We went up against a Republican money machine that outspent us 2 to 1, but we had what they didn't have: the truth on our side, and thousands of grassroots supporters from every county in this district and from across the country who believed that we could stand up here and hold the line against the predicted "red wave." And Oregonians came through for us. I also want to thank my amazing staff. You have heard from some of them throughout the campaign, but what you may not know is that this spectacular campaign was run by a small team. Logan Gilles, our campaign manager, handled all the things that came at him with a calm and measured focus on what needed to get done. Mariah Morgan, our finance director, built the finance plan and executed our fundraising with military precision. Aaron Lewis, who grew up in Corvallis and graduated from the University of Oregon, brought his relentlessly positive attitude to every task and event. Skyler Cservak, who ran Commissioner Heather Buch's winning race in May, brought her skills and knowledge of the district to our team. And our newest member, David Martinez, stepped up to take on whatever needed to be done (he's also an incredible chef – and that goes a long way). Our interns and our field team worked incredibly hard and left nothing on the field. We were outspent but we outworked our opposition to bring home the win. I also want to recognize the tremendous service of Congressman Peter DeFazio. We have been well served by Peter's strong, independent leadership and his willingness to take on special interests on our behalf. He leaves a big legacy and even bigger shoes to fill. Peter is a friend and a mentor and his advice and guidance will continue to serve our district. It is an immense honor to be the next member of Congress from Oregon's 4th district - and the first woman to hold this position. I don't take this responsibility lightly and you can count on me to work hard every single day to make sure that Oregonians in our corner of the state have their voices heard and their priorities addressed. Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow, the work begins. Again, thank you. Val |
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