BELOW ARE STACEY ABRAMS’ REMARKS FROM ELECTION NIGHT
(AS PREPARED)
When you chose me as your Democratic nominee, I made you a vow. In our Georgia, no one is unseen, no one is unheard, and no one is uninspired. But a vow takes effort – takes commitment to hold truth. Reaching out, reaching across is hard work. And hard work is in our bones. We have proven this every day, Georgia. With doors knocked. With calls made. With miles traveled. With prayers said.
We have closed the gap between yesterday and tomorrow, but we have a few more miles to go. But that too is an opportunity to show the world who we are. In Georgia, where civil rights have been an act of will and a battle for our souls, we have learned a fundamental truth. Democracy only works when we work for it. When we fight for it. When we demand it. When we stand in lines for hours to meet it at the ballot box.
Votes remain to be counted. Voices waiting to be heard. Across the state, folks are opening up the dreams of voters, and we believe our chance for a stronger Georgia is just within reach. We cannot seize it, however, until all voices are heard. And we are going to make sure that every vote is counted – because in a civilized nation, the machinery of democracy should work everywhere for everyone.
And what lies on the other side of our efforts? Our best lives are within reach: fully funded public education, Medicaid Expansion, raising family incomes without raising taxes.
Every Georgian we have touched along the way understands the power of the vote. And this election has tested our faith. Some have worked hard to take our voices away. To scare us away. To distract us. But we see the finish line.
You have inspired me every single day of this campaign. I know what you sacrificed to make your way to the polls or to volunteer after work and on lunch breaks. I know that you have put your faith in me – and believe me, Georgia… the feeling is mutual.
Tonight should be all the proof you need – that when put your faith in the great people of this state, there is nothing we can’t accomplish together.
This is why we fight on. Because Georgia still has a decision to make. Between division and trickery, or a leadership that defends your rights, your kids, your career, your community, and your vote.
To the voters tonight, I say – if I wasn’t your first choice as governor… or you made no choice at all… know that it is my mission to serve you. To make you proud. To change your mind about me, and what we can achieve together.
We don’t need to agree on everything – but I will always respect you and do everything I can to keep you safe and help you live your very best lives. That is what leadership requires in this moment. And it is how we breathe life back into this republic.
And to everyone who has already poured their precious time, energy, hard-earned dollars, and love into this campaign… I thank you, and I urge you to stay with us. We are still on the verge of history here, Georgia – and the best is yet to come.
Because this is not about me. It’s about us.
Our voices. (repeat)
Our votes. (repeat)
Our time. (repeat)
Because we are Georgia. We are Georgia. We are Georgia.
So let’s get it done!