Healing America: A Call for Unity, Democracy, and Moving Beyond Division

For over a year, Americans have been told repeatedly how deeply divided we are as a nation, that the future of our democracy hinges on this election, and that perhaps our best days are behind us.

I firmly disagree. Every election cycle, especially during presidential years, brings its share of contention and high stakes. However, what truly defines us as a nation is how we conduct ourselves after the ballots are counted, whether we find ourselves on the winning or losing side. Elections are the mechanism of democracy, but our behavior in their aftermath is the measure of our commitment to its ideals.

This became personal for me on the night of November 5, 2024. After serving six terms in a highly competitive state legislative district, I sought an open congressional seat this cycle. Throughout my career, I had prepared myself not just to win and govern but also to accept defeat with dignity if that moment ever came. That night, as Republicans celebrated significant gains nationwide, I found myself making a lonely but necessary call to congratulate my Democrat opponent.

It wasn’t easy, but it was my obligation–not just to my district, but to my country. Conceding wasn’t about signaling the end of the campaign but rather about signaling the end of division. It was my small contribution toward moving forward, and that’s exactly what America needs.

Healthy disagreement about policies and priorities is the cornerstone of democracy and our republic. It’s what sets us apart from regimes in Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea. We cannot allow those disagreements to fracture our relationships with friends, neighbors, or family members. Instead, we should strive to understand the “other side.”

If you voted for Trump, go find someone who supported Harris and ask them why. If you voted for Harris, seek out someone who backed Trump and do the same. Then–and this is the key–listen. Really listen.

When we approach our divisions with genuine curiosity and empathy, we discover that most of us want the same things: safety, opportunity, and a brighter future. My experience in the state legislature, where I’ve spent my career in the minority party, has shown me that solutions emerge when we set aside partisanship and work together. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary.

On the campaign trail, I was often asked what I would do to heal the political divides in our country. My answer was simple, and it remains true today:

“My opponent is not my enemy. Yes, she is my political rival, but my true enemies are the forces that threaten our nation: the dictator who invaded Ukraine, the Iranian-funded terror group Hamas, the Chinese Communist Party, and the despot in North Korea intent on launching missiles at the U.S. Those are the real adversaries we face.”

It’s vital that we don’t lose sight of this and turn on each other. That cannot happen.

As we enter the holiday season–a time for gathering with loved ones and reflecting on what truly matters–let’s commit to listening, learning, and seeking to understand one another. By doing so, we can each play a part in addressing the challenges we face as a nation. Together we can make our nation’s light shine brighter, widen the path for future generations, and remind the world why American remains the shining city on a hill.

Let’s move forward together.