Ryan Thompson for State House

Tonight the results were not what we were hoping for, but it does show us that people made their voices heard. This campaign started out of my college bedroom and has grown into a movement of people demanding more from their government. Despite not winning in the traditional sense, I still feel like a winner tonight. I showed that at 22, you can run for public office and be a force to be reckoned with. You do not have to come from a political family or a wealthy upbringing to care about your community and try to make it a better place. We showed that you just have to be well intentioned and well informed.

I do not know what the future holds for me yet, but I am humbled and honored by the support I was shown in this race. We sent thousands of postcards, knocked hundreds of doors, and contacted over 20,000 voters throughout this campaign. I say we because this campaign was much bigger than just me. We proved that every race should be opposed, even when our opponents go low and play unfairly. We showed that no matter your age or experience, you can be a voice for change.

While I wish that I had won, it is not because of me that I wanted to win, but because of the stories and support that voters showed me. I will always be an advocate for positive change in my community and am looking forward to the future of Horry County. We helped build infrastructure for future candidates to run, and I am optimistic about the future of our party and our county.

I ran this campaign because I love my hometown and the people that make it so great. I will never forget the memories or lessons I have learned as a candidate. I will never forget the stories and hopes that people shared with me. When we all work together, we can truly change the future.

I am conceding the race because I believe in election integrity and being a leader even when things do not go my way. Whatever the future holds for me, I know that I have so much support behind me, and love from those I care about most. Whatever y’all decide to do next, always do it with love, and with kindness. Thank you all.

TODAY is Election Day! Make sure to go to your normal polling location and vote Ryan Thompson for SC House 106!