“Campaigns are like starting a small business. Sometimes you’re successful and sometimes it doesn’t go your way–but you throw your hat in the ring and do so without regret. I’m proud of our effort and want to thank my wife, family and friends for being supportive all these months. I also want to thank the dozens of EdHeads who gave their time, treasure and talent to this contest. We couldn’t have done it without you, and your impact was felt.
“I congratulate Scott Wilk on his victory. He ran strong campaigns in both the primary and general elections, and has earned my respect. While Scott and I share common ground on some issues and have policy differences on others, we share a commitment to getting California back on track. There is a Democratic supermajority in both houses of the legislature to contend with now but I wish him every success in reaching across the aisle to find solutions on jobs, education and public safety.
“Ronald Reagan casts a large shadow across AD38 and I am mindful of the Scottish ballad he referenced after experiencing his first political loss: ‘Lay me down and bleed awhile. Though I am wounded, I am not slain. I shall rise and fight again.’
“Again, thank you. We are not slain. May God bless you and the Golden State we all love so much.”