Missouri Senate Candidate Issues Powerful Rallying Cry After Loss (VIDEO)

You may remember Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, who ran for the US Senate seat against incumbent Republican Roy Blunt. Kander is a decorated veteran, but he had little political experience. In an election year with a strong backlash against Washington insiders, Democrats thought Kander might have a shot at swiping Blunt’s Missouri Senate seat. He also made some great political ads:

Unfortunately, Kander was defeated in the Missouri Senate race by Blunt. The two were polling practically neck and neck, and Kander wound up losing by fewer than 100,000 votes (about 3 percent of voters). After processing the election, Kander released a powerful message to all those who might be sad, depressed, or frightened due to Tuesday’s election results:

In his thank you message, Kander expressed optimism, such as when he noted that he lost by only 3 percent in a state that Republican President-Elect Donald Trump won by 19 percent. He thanked his supporters and well wishers. However, the most important part of Kander’s message was in what we should do now:

“If you were a part of this campaign in even the smallest way, you might feel like stepping away from it all to lick your wounds. Maybe you think you’re done with volunteering or donating or even believing in anything changing. Well, you won’t get a pass from me. Staying engaged has become more important than ever.

Kander continued to encourage people to fight for change and for what is right:

“And this is the time to maintain that engagement. A new generation is stepping forward in America. Don’t let anyone tell you that this generation is selfish. This is a generation that cares more about ideas than ideology and measures patriotism not by a politician’s eagerness to go to war but by their willingness to do what’s right no matter the political cost. And this generation knows better than to let any politician – even a President – tell them that a changing country is a declining country.”

Finally, Kander finished his piece with a call to action:

“America needs you now more than ever. So don’t quit! This generation is patriotic, creative, selfless, and – most importantly – numerous. My campaign might no longer be the vehicle for your activism, but that doesn’t mean you’re excused from standing up and making your voice heard.

Take some time off…

Ok, was that enough time?

We have work to do. You in?

Kander’s message should serve as a rallying cry for all progressives. Just because this defeat weighs heavily on us does not mean we are allowed to sit back and pout. Now that Republicans have control of all three branches of the government, it is our duty to work harder than ever to keep a check on that power. I can easily answer Kander’s final question. I’m in. What about you?

To see Kander’s platform ideas and a bit more of his story, check out his campaign announcement for the Missouri Senate below. Even though he was defeated in his, I doubt we have seen the last of him.

Featured Image via YouTube Video screengrab.