I have seen the genius in that motto over the last year. Both are essential in our democracy.

As the president is backing away from this ideal, cutting SNAP, ripping away healthcare, terminating Gateway, we here in New Jersey are bound to fight for a different future for our children.

We see clearly how important liberty is. We know that no one in our great state is safe when our neighbors are targeted, ignoring the law and the Constitution.

And prosperity is equally essential. Liberty alone is not enough if the government makes it impossible for you to feed your family, to get a good education, or to get a good job.

In this country, that shouldn’t be too much to ask. But right now, all of it seems at risk. Governors have never mattered more. And in this state, I am determined to build prosperity for all of our citizens.

And I have heard from thousands of you about what liberty and prosperity mean to you. What it is going to take for your family to thrive.

So I hear you, Newark – so I’m going to work with communities from the ground up so all our neighborhoods thrive.

I hear you, Evesham – so I’m going to declare a State of Emergency on Day One to drive down your utility costs.

I hear you, Westfield – so I’m going to make sure our kids are safe online and schools have the resources they need to address the mental health crisis.

I hear you, Jersey City – so I’m going to hold government accountable, balancing individual liberty with collective responsibility — ensuring people are safe, healthy, educated, and free to pursue their dreams.

I hear you, New Jersey – good government doesn’t just manage problems. It solves them.

And I will continue to listen and work with you to move our state forward.

Because I have learned so much as I have traveled the state. Our innovations, our businesses, our inventors and entrepreneurs have amazed me.

But it is the people who have left the biggest mark. Especially those who are fighting for prosperity for their communities.

I was moved during my block walk in Trenton with Shanique as she spoke so passionately about the promise of her city and her neighbors, despite the challenges.

I loved the group of young men from Monroe who’ve been hard at work on this campaign. They want a seat at the table and are ready to fight for their future.

The little girls who come up to me to say they are going to be a governor or president. It reminds me of my own belief that anything was possible.

Akeem’s team, who worked their butts off and knocked over 60,000 doors. He told me these aren’t the kids who will succeed in Trump’s vision of this country. But they will in mine.

The men and women in labor.  At a time when our economy is set up to make it harder and harder for working people, they don’t just fight for their brothers and sisters in labor, they fight for all of us. For working families everywhere. So everyone has a shot.

So thank you. Thank you to each and every person here tonight and across the state who worked hard over the last year. Thank you to the thousands of volunteers who made millions of call, texts, and canvasses. To everyone who is ready to stand and demand better for our kids and our families.

To my running mate, Dr. Dale Caldwell. You’ve already served our state so well, and I’m proud to have you by my side as we embark upon this new chapter for New Jersey.

To my team who put together a campaign the likes of which this state has never seen and helped in our effort to secure a great future for New Jersey.

Thanks to my family, who has put up with missed soccer, lacrosse, football, volleyball, swimming and rugby games and meets.

And a special thanks to my husband. Through four kids, two dogs, a hamster, numerous goldfish, five campaigns, an insurrection, and two impeachments, you have been a truly amazing partner.

So thank you everyone who has joined me in fighting for a better future.

I know these are tough times, and I know not everyone voted for me. But I am working for everyone. Every. Single. One. Of. You. When we all do better, we all do better.

So. Tomorrow begins a new day. And at each new day in New Jersey, the sun rises over the Statue of Liberty — a daily reminder of her promise:

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

She declares that her lamp lights the path to the Golden Door.

That Golden Door is New Jersey. It always has been. And that expectation is well deserved.

Especially after this election — are we going to follow Lady Liberty’s beacon, or are we going to give in to our darker impulses?

Here in New Jersey, we know that this nation has not ever been, nor will it ever be, ruled by kings. We take oaths to a Constitution, not a king. We’ve chosen liberty — the very foundation of democracy and we’ve chosen prosperity, necessary to create opportunity for all.

So, New Jersey, to quote the Boss: “The future is now. Roll up your sleeves and let your passion flow. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.”