Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, D-W.Va., lost the race for U.S. Senator against Republican congresswoman Shelly Moore Capito. The unofficial results show that Tennant lost with only 34 percent of the vote, while Capito had 63 percent of the votes.

Tennant started her speech by thanking General Tacket and Sally Pathen, members of her election committee, for their help and support throughout her campaign.

“General Tackett, I can’t thank you enough,” Tennant said. “You are an amazing man. You and Sally Pathen have been with me since day one. It is an honor to have you on my team and there is no one that I would rather have, Sally Pathen, on my side from day one.”

Tennant was up against a strong component and it has been a battle since day one. She expressed her gratitude to the many members of her election committee and the volunteers that stepped forward to push her name and cause across the state of West Virginia.

“Our democracy is richer anytime more voices come to the table and I am proud of the work they have done, also,” Tennant said.

Tennant took the time to congratulate her opponent and wished her nothing but the best in her new position as U.S. Senator.

“I have always said that this campaign was never about me, but it was always about you, the people of West Virginia,” Tenant said. “That’s what this campaign is about, and I wish Congresswoman Capito nothing but the best success in serving the people of West Virginia.”

Even though Tennant was down in the polls, she still wished luck to her fellow democratic candidates.

Tennant expressed her love for her family and the life-long lessons she learned from being one of seven children on a farm in Marion County.

“To my entire family, especially my dad who got down here from Marion County tonight, he taught us to not just step up and serve because of what you get, but because of what you give,” Tennant said. “Also to my mom, and though she is no longer with us, the lessons that she taught me continue to give me strength, especially strength throughout this campaign.”

Tennant work for West Virginians is not ending as she will continue her work as Secretary of State. Tennant said she will push her platforms of raising minimum wage, closing the pay gap and making college more affordable.

“Your work, your voice shows that we demand a government that works for the working people of this country,” Tennant said.

Tennant described her loss as an end to one chapter, but the beginning of a new one as she continues to stand strong as Secretary of State of West Virginia.

“You fought the good fight,” Tennant said, “not because it was easy, because it was the right thing to do. We all left everything on the field, and I am proud of this campaign.”

Shalee Rogney can be contacted at rogney @marshall. edu.