“Elections are about citizens coming together and realizing that divided we cannot do a lot, but together, we can accomplish numerous goals,” Shannon said.
Gov. Tim Kaine congratulated the candidates for all of their hard work throughout the campaign over the last several months.
“Jody Wagner is one of the reasons that we have been named as one of the best-managed states and best for business,” Kaine said. “The Virginian Democratic Party is strong — we are going to keep winning races and our future is very bright.”
Shannon said that even though the balance of power in the executive branch has changed, the Democratic Party would remain strong.
“In order to get things done in Richmond, we will need bipartisan effort in the state senate (and) the house of Democrats as well,” Shannon said. “ ... it’s all about forging compromise, and that is what we will continue to do.”
Shannon added that it is hard to analyze election history in the moment.
“The big thing now is that there are hundreds of people here tonight,” Shannon said. “So many people came out and volunteered a lot of their time.”
Volunteerism is of great importance to Shannon, and he hopes public service is a sacrifice that everyone should participate in.
“Volunteerism is a critical component to the election — some will win, some will lose,” Shannon said. “I learned a long time ago that there is always an opportunity in public service — I’ll refocus on what I can do to serve Virginia.”
When asked if he will run again, Shannon stated that he will have to ask his wife Abby.
Jody Wagner supporter Cathi Laderberg said that the Democrats can find positivity from this race.
“I think that the results are a reflection of the tough time,” Laderberg said. “It is time for the Democrats to pull together and take this loss and pull something good out of it.”
Wagner concluded her concession speech by emphasizing the future endeavors of the state.
“Virginia has a great future and we need to make sure that we are everything that we can be as a state,” Wagner said.
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