An open letter to our candidates

Tuesday night was a great night for democracy!

As we watched results being announced, we celebrated many wins and were disappointed by our losses.

Whether you won your race or not, this message is for you.

Running for office is a difficult and expensive task – at least, it is when you do it the right way and connect with as many voters as you can. And you did it the right way.  

You met with voters in coffee shops and breweries. You marched in parades. You attended meetings, recorded videos, and posted on social media channels. You put your faces on billboards and peppered our streets with signs. You raised money. You learned how good it feels to know that people support you. And you bravely faced those who did not. 

But more than that, you showed us what it means to be an American and how to support democracy. You answered the call to serve your community and your country. You stepped up and said, “I can make things better.” You gave us hope. 

You are all, individually and as a group, an inspiration. 

Saying “thank you” seems inadequate. But as you either step into – or resume – your office or return to your no-longer-a-candidate life, please know that you have earned the respect and gratitude of your community.

With deep gratitude,

Linda Ford Drake English Carolann Connor

Your Henderson County Democratic Officers