“When I ran for Congress in 2018, it was the first time I’d ever run for political office.  But after creating thousands of jobs in a lifetime in business, I couldn’t stand by any longer as our political system tore itself apart. Thanks to the incredible energy brought by our thousands of grassroots volunteers, I was proud to be the first Democrat ever to represent California’s 48th Congressional District. Serving the people here has been the honor of my life, but the truth is, it’s never been about political parties for me.

There’s a reason I was the most productive new Member of Congress:

• Returning over $2 million to Orange County seniors, veterans, and working families
• Securing over $1 billion to support our small businesses during the pandemic
• Passing a law to stop taxpayer dollars from going to China, and a bill to cut taxes on Orange County residents by five billion dollars
• Working to create a bipartisan deficit commission to finally tackle our nation’s out of control spending
• Stopping off-shore drilling and working to remove radioactive waste from San Onofre
• Passing more bills in two years than my predecessor did in thirty

It’s because we worked with Republicans instead of demonizing them and refused to give in to partisan politics.

I thought that was the right thing to do.  I still feel that way. I will always feel that way. Country comes first.

We did not win this election.  And while it isn’t the outcome we had hoped for, it’s never been more important for our leaders to hear the voice of the people, and to accept their judgment.  I do.

But I also believe there’s something bigger at stake here than this one election.

There is a toxicity to American politics threatening the very democracy that sets us apart from the rest of the world.  That has to change.

Politics that tears America apart and turns us against each other is unsustainable. We saw it firsthand in this election.  My opponent made allegations about me that were complete fabrications–some totally made up, others wild distortions, and still others torn from the darkest corners of the Internet.  Either we change the way we do politics, or it will forever change us and this country we call home.

We are not Republicans. We are not Democrats. We are not enemies. We are Americans. All of us. Even when we disagree.  And we ought to have a political system that is built on facts, rewards honesty, and strengthens the bonds that tie us to each other, rather than ripping them to shreds.

While one campaign ends today, another is just beginning. I look forward to having voters compare my opponent’s two years in Congress with my accomplishments on November 8, 2022.

There is surely more work to do.  Let’s do it together.”