After significant reflection with my family and campaign team, I am withdrawing my candidacy from the 2018 Democratic Primary for the open United States House of Representatives seat in New Jersey’s Second Congressional District.

I entered this race because my students asked me to run to be their voice and to fight for them; they were always at the forefront of my mind and policy ideas. They inspired me to always speak the truth and stand for what is right, regardless of how it impacted our campaign. Staying true to our values and beliefs was a critical part of running for office, and I am proud that we accomplished this. I hope I have represented their interests in full, that our campaign will inspire my students to stay involved and demand their voices are heard.

Stepping away from something you believe in and are so passionate about is never easy, but this is the right time. The various processes in the county conventions have concluded, and the outcomes were very clear. Senator Jeff Van Drew will have the Democratic line for the primary in every county of our Congressional District.

To my fellow candidates, I wish you all the very best in the June primary. Our party has a lot of work to do flip our district from red to blue, and I trust that whoever wins the primary will be the person with the best chance of making that happen.

To my supporters, thank you for standing with me on this journey. I would not have made it this far without your backing. I am honored to have earned your confidence and belief in me to be the change that our district needs.

To our youth, our future is so much brighter because of every one of you. Continue to stand up and battle for what you believe in, change that our nation needs, and policies that will improve the lives of Americans. Get involved with campaigns, vote, and run for office. Do not ever let someone tell you that you are too young to do anything. You are our future.

As for me, I am not sure what the future holds, but I do know that I will continue my life work as a public servant. I will continue to fight to build a Democratic party that is inclusive and mindful of the needs of all people. I will continue to do everything in my power to create real change that will put Our Future First.