John, thank you for being by my side throughout this race.

I offered my congratulations to Jen Kiggans and wished her the best of luck in her new role as representative of Virginia’s 2nd District. Of course, we hoped the outcome of this race would be different, but conducting a smooth and peaceful transfer of power is what matters most to me.

I decided to run for Congress five years ago because our democracy was under attack from within. Defending it has been at the center of all three of my campaigns, and it’s been my top priority in Congress.

And though it may not have been enough to get me re-elected, I’m proud that I’ll be able to look my daughter in the eye and tell her that I stepped up when my country needed me most. Our work is far from over, and we can’t let this loss weaken our resolve to keep fighting to defend the democratic values we hold dear.

Most of all, though, I want to share my appreciation for everything you’ve done for our campaign and for Coastal Virginia. This campaign rested on the shoulders of so many wonderful, kind, generous people whose time and contributions made it all possible. I’m so lucky to have had this team by my side.

I hope, at the end of the day, it will be said of this team that we took action instead of sitting in silence. That we fought hard, but never lost sight of our integrity, our honor, or our duty to our country.

Thank you for everything.

My sincerest gratitude,
Elaine Luria