John --

Last night, we did not get the result that we were hoping for.

This morning, I find myself reflecting on all this campaign has been able to accomplish thanks to your support.

For a long time, it has been clear that our district – and nation – needs a new way forward. The hardworking families of this district are facing mounting challenges, from rising inflation to rising crime to political polarization. Unfortunately, we aren’t seeing any real solutions from the political elites who are meant to represent us. Instead, they offer us legislative gridlock, opposition-centered rhetoric, and blind allegiance to ideological agendas.

When Congressman Bobby Rush announced his decision not to seek reelection, the eyes of the nation turned to our district to see what its future would be. With the country watching, this movement took the opportunity to make a statement, to tell the establishment that there is an emerging movement refusing to remain stuck; that is ready to move forward.

And move forward we did. From the city to the Southland and across the country, this movement gathered support from everyday Illinoisans and Americans of diverse backgrounds and worldviews, all committed to building unity in the face of division and lifting up the suppressed voices of working- and middle-class families who have been forgotten and ignored by the political elites who are supposed to represent them. Together, people who identified as conservative and progressive, pro-choice and pro-life, religious and agnostic, all came together to cut through the noise, listen to each other, and strive for real change. Regardless of the outcome of this election, we made our voices heard around the country.

It’s been an honor to be a part of this movement. I look forward to continuing to be a part of it, because our work isn’t over yet. I encourage you to keep up our momentum – run for office, volunteer, listen to and learn from the working- and middle-class families of your community, be part of the solution. I can’t wait to see us all move forward together.

Pastor Chris Butler
http://www.electchrisbutler.com/