We get what we vote for.

The voters have spoken; they have chosen a different vision for the county and the state. I am, of course, disappointed with the outcome, but the results are clear. I deeply appreciate your support, but we must accept the results.

There is a "template" that we've come to expect with political concession messages. I am supposed to congratulate the opponent, thank my supporters, speak to our progress, and look to the future. As leaders, the candidate is expected to separate themselves from their emotions–at least for a moment–and help their community begin to heal.

That's not my script today. I acknowledge TJ Rose's victory. But I'm angry about the way he conducted his campaign, about the opaqueness and dishonesty. The level of personalized attacks levied by his and most of the other state legislative Republican campaigns was a behavior that should be condemned, not congratulated.

I remain strongly opposed to his vision for Kansas. The Republican supermajority is now stronger and more conservative than ever, and Governor Kelly has only two years remaining in her term. These will be fragile times, and we must press our elected officials harder than ever to represent us.

For our part, we're proud of what we accomplished and remain committed to carrying our values with us in our daily lives. I encourage you to do the same, because we get what we vote for. And the only way to get different outcomes is to bring our neighbors with us.