Good Morning Friends and Neighbors!
I’ve started this post several times throughout my candidacy. Each time, I got writers block right around the second sentence because it was hard to allow myself to think of victory and to summarize what this past year has meant to me.
When I started this campaign in November 2023, I was told there was no way I would win.
I was told by people that my district were "too this or too that" to flip a seat in a previously uncontested Republican district.
I was told to save myself the embarrassment of running because it would end in my ultimate defeat.
I was told that without the support of special-interest groups, that I didn’t stand a chance.
I was told that I was a non-threat because I didn’t fit the mold of what a politician should be.
Had I listened to the rhetoric that was out there, the voters would never have had the opportunity to have a *choice* as to who they wanted to lead the 16th District of Winnebago County.
As of yesterday, when the Board of Elections officially certified the race, the voters proved they wanted that choice. By a margin of 13 votes, I was elected the next representative of the 16th District on the Winnebago County Board.
My sincerest and most profound THANK YOU goes to the voters. You showed up for me just like I will show up for you every day as your County Board representative. To my family, my friends, and my team that showed unwavering support and the utmost belief in me: I wouldn’t be writing this without all of you. You have showed me that even when we think we are down, we aren’t out.
I entered this campaign process the same way that I plan to lead--with compassion for this community, listening to my true mentors, and staying true to myself. I am here to listen and to learn. I am here to lead and to show that business as usual is not always the answer.
I opened my campaign kick-off by quoting Barack Obama: “I believe that loving this community requires more than singing its praises or avoiding uncomfortable truths. It requires the occasional disruption. The willingness to speak out for what’s right. To shake up the Status quo.”
So let the shaking up begin! I am humbled beyond words, and most importantly, I’m ready to do the job that the voters of Winnebago County elected me to do-fight for our community.
From now until forever--Thank you.
Christina
