There are fewer honors greater than being called to serve. But to serve the very community that raised you, that is the honor of a lifetime.
Bucks County is where I grew up. It is where my family put down their roots, where my father taught us the meaning of service, where my mother showed us how to lead with compassion and grace, where my big brother Mike showed me what it meant to lead with conviction and independence. It is where I first learned our differences need not divide us. That no party has a monopoly on good ideas nor people, and the true measure of life is found in what we give to others.
Tonight is not the ending we had hoped or envisioned. But when I look back on all we have built, the extraordinary coalition of people we have brought together, and the countless people we have come to know as partners, friends, and family, I am overwhelmed not by what is ending, but by all we have been fortunate to experience together. I am filled with profound gratitude and pride in knowing that we gave our very best to something we believed in.
To the remarkable coalition that stood with us—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents; the men and women of organized labor; teachers, nurses, law enforcement officers, first responders, veterans, small business owners, advocates, neighbors, and community leaders—thank you. Your support told a story far larger than any one campaign.
Our people’s movement was built upon that simple conviction: people before party, partnership over partisanship, and the belief that diversity of thought is a strength to be welcomed, not a difference to be feared. That leadership is measured not by political allegiance, but the courage to do what is right for the people we serve.
To my extraordinary team, who have worked tirelessly and given their hearts and souls to our community; to every volunteer, organization, family, and neighbor who opened their doors and placed their faith in our work: I will never be able to thank you enough.
I wish Bob Harvie success as he assumes a responsibility that is both extraordinary and humbling. The responsibility to represent every person in our community, whether they voted for him or not. To lead with independence, to welcome differences of opinion, and to remember the people we serve must always come before party.
I wish him well in that responsibility, and his success in serving our community is something we should all hope for.
To the people of Bucks and Montgomery counties: thank you for the honor of my life.
May God bless you, may God bless this beautiful community we call home, and may God bless the United States of America.