We Came Up Short — But Gained So Much

Sign waving with the Black Mountain Democrats the evening before Election Day.

By Tommy Hough

We made time for the ballots to be counted, and it's clear the voters have spoken.

While we came up short, I'm proud of our effort, especially knowing we ran the very best, drama-free campaign possible.

I'm exceptionally proud of my team and the work we did in our District 6 communities of Clairemont, Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa, Miramar, Sorrento Valley and Rancho Peñasquitos. You did an amazing job.

I can't begin to express how grateful I am to our volunteers. Those of you who helped, pitched in, made calls, walked, donated over and over, and wore this campaign as a badge of honor over the months know who you are.

You went the distance with me, and I will not forget it.

We had to overcome all the issues that come with a first-time candidacy, with little institutional support – not to mention running in a district many chose to believe was unwinnable from the outset. We were outspent by an 8 to 1 margin. When you factor in the additional resources my opponent had access to, that margin is even greater.

But I knew this was an opportunity to offer strong, dynamic, hands-on leadership for communities that are being left behind at City Hall.

Talking with our neighbors, listening to voters, and respecting the wisdom of our neighborhoods was the best way to represent the communities of District 6 and ensure they were heard.

I saw what it's like to live with gravel flying into my neighbors' yards from broken streets long overdue for repair, to know the gnawing insecurity that comes with an unstable paycheck and medical emergencies, and to understand what it means when children move away from home because they can't afford to live in the city of their birth.

I was also welcomed into my neighbors' homes to share backyard barbecues, eat fresh fruit from their trees, and talk about politics and policy over a local beer. In every case, my neighbors demonstrated generosity in time and attention, even when we disagreed.

I took the risk of running to offer a real choice to our District 6 residents, and to make a difference in the lives of the innumerable neighbors I connected with and the thousands of doors I knocked on this past year.

The result is clearly not what I would have preferred. But I wouldn't trade the time we've had together for anything.

Thank you for believing in me, my campaign, and our vision for San Diego.

Neighborhoods first.