Election day was a tremendous day for Democrats and more importantly for Virginia as a whole. I want to first thank my constituents from Virginia House District 35. In 2003, you gave me a chance to serve as your representative in state government. In both 2005 and 2007, you renewed my term in office with support in every precinct and with over 60% of the vote. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to continue serving our community.

Virginia’s redistricting system gives an enormous advantage to the political party controlling the process. Every victory Democrats made last night was the functional equivalent of carrying a boulder up a mountain. Notwithstanding, we took control of the State Senate and increased our numbers by 10% in the House.

These victories were a message for changing the status quo. They reaffirm our belief that the policies designed to unite us should prevail over policies designed to wedge the electorate. They reaffirm our belief that Virginians want leaders who set a positive agenda for our future, rather than those who simply focus on what they are against. Finally, these victories reaffirm our belief that government policies should provide every family with a well-founded sense of hope that our leaders are looking out for every citizen.

I want to thank the thousands of volunteers and contributors who made our victories last night possible. Your actions are the example for how a representative democracy should work. Over the next two years, please let me know how I can continue to serve you better.