Friends and Supporters:

The voters in Senate District 22 (Clive, Waukee, West Des Moines & Windsor Heights) have made their choice in the Special Election.  Regretfully we came up short.  I have several thoughts about the campaign I’d like to share with each of you.

I want to thank my family who have, for nearly two years, allowed me to campaign on a full time basis.  My wife, Shondalette, sons Khalil and Solomon have taken on huge responsibilities to keep our family moving forward.  Thank you for giving me permission to serve others and for your very special efforts.

Thank you to my team and to the many volunteers who stepped up.  It was a long campaign; they never wavered in their support and encouragement. 

To those of you who voted for me.  Thank you for respecting a new type of Democrat who understands a broad range of issues from business to social.  I believe we engaged the voters and raised the bar when it comes to our party and our voice.

And, finally, I am most proud of the fact that during these past 20 months our campaign never, not once, went negative.  This has always been a campaign driven by thought leadership, devotion to understanding that “the flattest pancake has two sides” and mutual respect.

I wish Senator-Elect Charles Schneider the very best as he takes this very important role as a representative of all the people.

Now it is time to work on those things you have told me are important to you and your families.  I have a deep desire to stay involved in the process and continue to help move Iowa forward.

May God richly bless each and every one of you.

Desmund