Statement from Candidate Vivian Smotherman

I want to thank my opponent, Senator Cleave Simpson, for his efforts in keeping this campaign focused on the people and issues rather than hate and fear. I would also like to congratulate Senator Simpson on receiving the support of this great district and earning a return trip to Denver as the Senate representative for District 6. This was an honorable race and Cleave was a respectable opponent. I’m confident that he will continue to serve the People of Southern and Southwestern Colorado admirably.

Furthermore, I want to proudly thank all my supporters across the district for all the long hours, all the hard work, and most importantly the unwavering faith in myself and our collective ability to achieve such a difficult goal. We came from nowhere and performed like seasoned candidates. We carried ourselves with dignity and integrity, and we earned the respect of our peers as well as our constituents. America was built on hard work, and I’m confident we did everything we could, with the resources we had, to win this race. Even though we have come up short, I’m proud of what we have achieved.

It has been an honor and a privilege to work along side so many wonderful people. I have formed friendships that will last, established new relationships that add richness to my life, and discovered more about this corner of the state than I ever could have imagined. For me, this experience has been both rewarding and disappointing. I’m not sure what life holds for me next, but I will not stop fighting for the people I care about.

Thank you.

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