Dear friends,

I am disappointed to share that we are not getting the fresh start that we had hoped for in State Senate District 21. I’d decided to run for State Senate out of genuine concern for my neighbors as I saw growing food insecurity lines, small businesses continuing to close, and more people becoming increasingly displaced from their homes all around me. 

Almost half of the voting electorate has chosen to remain with a representative that they have known for 20 years, and I do hope that with the continued trust that has been given to him, Senator Parker will become more accessible, will address the deepening housing crisis, will tackle increasing daily gun violence, will fight to democratize our healthcare system, will fight for safer streets and more reliable public transportation — among the many other concerns that our neighbors have shared with me.

I am also deeply proud of this 100% grassroots campaign – the only one in this race without any institutional backing. This was a coalition built by neighbors. It was our team plus 75 volunteers that got nearly 3,000 neighbors out to vote for a genuine and experienced candidate to finally represent this district — without a machine funneling resources into us, without the benefit of incumbency, without major donors and corporate money, without PACs stepping in. It was just neighbors who care about each other pounding the pavement for months. 

My greatest regret is that, with the constant shifting geography of the redistricting process, I was not able to meet even more neighbors. I am deeply grateful for the hundreds of conversations that we have had and will continue to find ways to serve our community. Running for office has been a great sacrifice and one that I was happy to make for the collective health of our community. 

I am so grateful for the support of my loving family, dedicated staff, truly amazing donors, supportive endorsing organizations, and last but certainly not least — our relentless volunteers! This campaign’s volunteers are the reason we even had a movement to begin with and are a huge testament to a community’s drive to create the change that they want to see.

Many of you have asked what’s next — and for now all I can promise you is rest and reconnecting with family and friends. Thank you again for all of your support!

Sincerely,

Kaegan