Lincoln, NE – Tonight State Senator Kate Bolz released the following statement conceding the race for Nebraska’s First Congressional District:

“One of my favorite quotations about democracy and justice is from Frederick Douglass. He reminds us of this, “The whole history of progress of human liberty shows that all concessions yet made to her august claims have been born of earnest struggle. If there is no struggle there is no progress.”

Friends, tonight we did not win this particular struggle.  It is with sadness that I concede the race for Nebraska’s First Congressional District. But it is with pride that I can say with conviction that we ran an incredible campaign. We defied odds, we persevered through a pandemic, and we won victories of votes, endorsements, and hearts and minds.

Tonight, I want to say to you that the struggle is worth it.  Fighting back against the erosion of our democracy is worth it, fighting for the health and wellbeing of Nebraskans in a pandemic is worth it, and pushing for equality, fairness, and opportunity is worth it. Because of the struggle we are stronger, we are smarter, and we are more united. Because of the struggle those who deny health care, those who ignore science, those who refused to stand up for women and people with disabilities, have been held accountable for their positions and their actions.

The struggle doesn’t end tonight.  It continues, it continues in the daily push for equality and justice, in the small victories for fairness and opportunity, and the ongoing work for major milestones for racial justice, and turning back climate change, and access to health care. Your work matters, your contributions matter, your struggle matters. Struggle leads to progress.  It leads to a more perfect union, here in Nebraska and all across the nation.

To say it the way Douglas did, you can’t have crops without plowing the ground.  And here in Nebraska, I have no doubt that we will continue to see the fruits of our shared labor. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being on the side of progress, for believing in me, and for continuing to keep the faith for justice and equality.”