Looking at the country around a year ago, I saw a need for a refreshing boldness in conservatism. Democrats had been pushing Republicans around for too long, and Republicans were combating it with the same old messages and the same old candidates. I felt God was calling me to step-up and fill the void with a bold and unafraid next-generation message to reinvigorate a more resurgent and confident America. After much thought and prayer, Baylie and I launched our campaign for Congress in Georgia’s Sixth District.
From the beginning of our campaign to the end, I ran on the same message – we were in the fight for the heart, soul and fabric of America and needed unafraid leaders that would not fold to the radical left, the media or the establishment. That message resonated.
As our traction gained, though, so did the headwinds. Our campaign received the overwhelming majority of attacks in the primary. And, in the runoff, faced upwards of two million dollars in outside spending against us. Despite these almost insurmountable obstacles, we fought relentlessly to the bitter end.
I learned much over the course of the campaign. I learned the power of perseverance. I learned that politics, like life, is unfair. But most importantly, I learned that people are amazing. From diners in Dawsonville to neighborhood meet & greets in East Cobb, Baylie and I met countless incredible people – many of whom will be lifelong friends. We were also blessed to have the best and most hardworking campaign team in Georgia. Our team poured their blood, sweat and tears into the campaign and that motivated me to work harder than I have ever worked because I did not want to disappoint them with anything other than a victory. I will forever be grateful for our team and supporters.
Many have told me that a well-fought campaign is never lost. It is hard to appreciate this fact now, but I am hopeful that the foundation for next-generation bold and unafraid conservatism has been built.
I do not know what the future holds for Baylie and I. God has a plan for us and we will trust that plan. But rest assured that this result will not define me. I will continue fighting for the convictions that I hold dear with boldness and without fear. While the first chapter comes to an end, there are many chapters left to be told. Farwell, for now.
“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”
-Theodore Roosevelt
