Celebrities Runner-Up

Ladies and gentlemen, supporters, friends, and all who dared to believe — thank you. Today, as I stand before you, I feel many things: disappointment, yes — but also immense gratitude, fierce resolve, and unyielding hope. We came into this contest with a dream: to blaze a new trajectory, to uplift voices too often ignored, to expand what’s possible for every person who looks up and wonders, “Why not me?” We fought hard, with conviction and dignity. Though we did not prevail this time, our mission does not end in defeat. I want to say clearly: while I concede second place in this race, I do not concede the fight — the fight for justice, for opportunity, for dignity, for truth. I accept this result, because integrity demands it. But make no mistake: this is not an endpoint. Our work continues — in every neighborhood, every school, every conversation, every voice that says we must do better. To those who supported us — to the volunteers, to the believers, to those who knocked doors, made calls, posted signs, raised your voices — you carry as much credit for our journey as anyone. You have shown that change is not handed down; it is built, step by step, by people who refuse to settle. And to those who opposed us: thank you too, in a way — you sharpened our argument, clarified our values, tested our resolve. We emerge from this stronger, wiser, more attuned to what must be done. Yes, there is pain tonight. Yes, hearts are heavy. But we do not despair. We do not throw up our hands. We roll up our sleeves. We stay engaged. We stay active. Because the promise for which we fought — equality, justice, inclusion — is still within our reach. I believe deeply in what is possible, unburdened by what has been. The light we sought to illuminate in this campaign will not be extinguished because one contest ended. We will carry it forward. So let me leave you with this — do not ever give up. Do not ever let disappointment deter you from the work before us. The arc of progress is long, yes — but it bends toward justice only when people stubbornly, relentlessly make it so. Thank you. I love you. Let’s keep going.