Thank you all so much for being here, and to those at home watching, thank you for tuning in. And thank you to the people of Chattanooga for entrusting me with this great responsibility and privilege, and having the confidence in my vision to choose me as your next mayor.

To Mayor Berke, thank you for your steady, compassionate leadership over these past eight years. Over your two terms, you’ve shown us your resolve as well as your heart. In times of unprecedented crisis, you steered our city through the storm and kept us safe. And you also wisely invested in our future generations when you created over 1,000 additional quality early learning seats, providing thousands more children in our city the opportunity to start Kindergarten with the tools they need to succeed and thrive throughout their lives.

Our city is stronger because of your leadership and vision, and I’m looking forward to continuing the good work you began at City Hall.

I want to give a special acknowledgment to all of the people who believed in me and our campaign, even when things got tough or when election day felt years away. In particular, to my amazing wife Ginny, and my two sons Jack and Cannon—thank you for being with me every step of the way. And to the many friends and supporters who believed in me and gave me support and encouragement along the way- thank you.