Oh, my God. We did it.

I don’t know if I have the words to fully explain what this moment means to me. What I do know is that I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

To every person who knocked on a door, made a phone call, put up a yard sign, donated their hard-earned money, shared a post, brought a friend into the room, or simply looked me in the eye and said, “Thomas, I believe in you”: thank you. Every conversation, every act of kindness, and every person who believed in this campaign helped bring us to this moment.

This campaign has never been about me alone. It has been about all of us — our families, our neighbors, our teachers, our workers, and the people who too often feel like nobody in government is listening to them. Every conversation, every door knocked, every phone call made, and every person who believed in this campaign helped bring us to this moment. This victory belongs to all of us.

I have to give a a big thank you to my mom. My mother taught me what it means to show up for people, even when life is difficult. My community has shown me what is possible when we show up for one another. I will carry those lessons with me to Raleigh. I will not forget the people who brought me here, the people who trusted me with their votes, or the people who may not have voted for me but still deserve to be represented with dignity and respect.

There is something else about this moment that I don’t want to overlook. I will become the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to public office in Cabarrus County.

I hope there are people, especially young people, in our community who see this moment and understand that they don’t have to hide who they are to serve their community. They don’t have to dim their shine to earn a place at the table. And they don’t have to fit someone else’s idea of what a leader looks like to make a difference.

To those who didn’t vote for me, and to those who may still have questions about me or my priorities: I hear you, too. I didn’t run to represent only the people who agree with me. I ran to represent everyone who calls this district home.

The campaign may be over, but now the real work begins. There are people in our community who need to know their government sees them, hears them, and values them. There are families working hard who need a fair shot, educators who deserve support, and people who have waited far too long for the services and opportunities they need. I intend to listen, to work hard, and to earn the trust of this district every single day.

I know I won’t get everything right. But I promise you this: I will show up. I will listen. I will work my ass off. And I will never forget who sent me to Raleigh.

This was never supposed to be about one person standing above everyone else. It was about all of us standing together. Thank you for believing that we can build something better when we make room for one another. I am honored by the opportunity to serve House District 73, and I am ready to get to work.

Thank you, District 73, for trusting me, believing in us, and giving me the opportunity to serve. This victory belongs to all of us.