Across the country, Democrats celebrated significant victories, recapturing the House and Senate in a big way. We could ultimately reach 56 seats in the United States Senate, winning in places where Democrats haven't prevailed in generations. These victories are a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together, organize, mobilize, and make their voices heard.

But here at home, our hearts are heavy following Tom Melville's loss. The outcome wasn't what we worked so hard for or hoped to achieve. Still, one thing remains absolutely certain: our commitment to our community, our values, and our democracy has never been stronger.

First, we owe Tom our deepest gratitude. Stepping forward to run for public office takes courage, commitment, and sacrifice. Tom devoted months of hard work to this campaign, knocked on more than 16,000 doors, and gave our community an extraordinary example of grassroots campaigning. His dedication, perseverance, and willingness to put himself forward in service to our community deserve our tremendous respect and appreciation. Thank you, Tom, for taking on this challenge and giving so much of yourself to the effort.

I also want to give special recognition to our Vice Chair and Tom's Campaign Manager, Lucy. She gave this campaign everything she had. Her countless hours, tireless work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the causes we believe in have been nothing short of remarkable. She poured her heart into this effort, and her passion for our community and our values is something I deeply admire. We are incredibly fortunate to have Lucy on our Democratic Town Committee. I have the utmost respect for her, and I want her to know how much she is valued and appreciated.

To every volunteer, supporter, donor, and neighbor who gave their time, energy, and heart to this campaign: THANK YOU. Every door knocked, every conversation started, every phone call made, and every hour volunteered mattered. You demonstrated what happens when people believe in something bigger than themselves and are willing to work together to make a difference.

The outcome may not have been what we hoped for, but our efforts were not in vain. The relationships we built matter. The conversations we started matter. The new voices we welcomed into our organization matter. And the foundation we strengthened together will serve us well in the years ahead.

An election may end, but our commitment to our community does not.

We are not going away. We are not giving up. And we are certainly not sitting on the sidelines.

The Norfolk Democrats are organized, energized, and more determined than ever to keep fighting for our community, our values, and our democracy.

We worked hard in 2026. We strengthened our organization, built lasting relationships, welcomed new voices, and showed what a committed grassroots team can accomplish. We have built something meaningful, and we are not about to let that momentum fade.

NOW WE LOOK AHEAD TO 2028.

We have a White House to win, a democracy to defend, and a future worth fighting for. January 20, 2029, is on our horizon.

Onward.

living our Values

We unequivocally condemns political violence, and all violence, of any kind. We are committed to open, civil discourse without fear of retribution, retaliation, bullying or intimidation, either online or in person. We believe that the respectful sharing of ideas, perspectives, and lived experiences offers the promise of a safer, more prosperous, and fully equitable society for all. We ask all Norfolk residents to remember that we are friends and neighbors first, with shared goals for a peaceful and civil community.