Erika Harold: Her campaign was 'profoundly outspent.'
Erika Harold: Her campaign was 'profoundly outspent.'
Illinois Attorney General candidate Erika Harold, conceding her race Tuesday to state Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago), told supporters she is grateful for their dedication and what they accomplished.
"I wanted to be able to come down tonight early because so many of you have made an incredible investment in this campaign and my life," Harold said. "Even though this didn’t go my way tonight, we were still able to send a strong message of what we want to see government in Illinois look like."
Harold conceded early Tuesday evening after Raoul had received a little more than 60 percent of the vote.
The final tally showed Raoul winning by more than 10 points: He collected 54 percent of the vote to Harold's 43 percent. Libertarian Party candidate Bubba Harsy won 2.5 percent of the vote.
In her concession speech, Harold expressed optimism and implored the newly elected attorney general to take politics out of the office and bring Illinois together.
Harold said while it’s disappointing things didn’t go her way, she was proud of the people by her side during the race.
"To see so many people here who have made such an incredible investment in my life means the world to me," Harold said.
"I'm grateful for my family," Harold said. "I know this has been tough for them, and I really appreciate their support."
Harold said her campaign was "profoundly outspent" but even still, they got their resources out.
"Integrity matters," Harold said. "I’ll continue to advocate for the things I have advocated for. We finished well. Thanks so much."
Harold made a point to say she called her opponent and congratulated him for a well-fought campaign.
Harold said her campaign put together a great movement of people who were committed.
"I entered this race because I wanted to make a difference," Harold said. "The same principles I was committed to for this campaign will be the same principles that I will continue to advocate for. Just because you don't have a title or office doesn't mean you don't have beliefs that you want to advocate for."
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