Kevin Dellicker for U.S. Congress

Dear Friends,

I just got off the phone with Lisa Scheller. I congratulated her on her victory and wished her well in the general election. We all want to reverse the damaging progressive policies that are hurting our nation. I truly hope that Lisa Scheller’s campaign will contribute to a Republican wave that returns fiscal responsibility and limited government to Washington. We need it.

Don’t be discouraged.

I had three goals in this campaign, and from time to time, I’ve communicated each of them to you.

First, I wanted to defeat Susan Wild and restore a Republican Majority in Congress. That goal remains in reach for Republicans this November.

Second, I wanted to prove that a normal guy, who’s not rich, famous, or a professional politician, can represent his neighbors in Washington. We didn’t win, but we competed in the big leagues. And in the places where people know me personally, we won in a landslide.

My campaign was outraised 10:1 and opposed by the Republican establishment. We still came within a few votes of winning this election. I hope future candidates, those who fit the profile of ordinary people who’ve lived extraordinary lives, will study this race, and be inspired to run for office. It can be done successfully.

Finally, I wanted to represent my faith, family, and country with dignity and honor, as a true Christian Statesman. The great British author C. S. Lewis described such a person as one who devotes his whole effort in the public square to “putting ‘Do as you would be done by’ into action.”

I’ve tried to do this every day, and I hope it showed. I never compromised my principles, never embarrassed my family name, and never exhibited conduct unbecoming an officer. Only my Lord Jesus Christ will judge whether I achieved this goal, but today I am at peace with my work.

I want to thank all the people who helped me throughout this journey. My wife Susan, Will, Jake and Eli, mom and dad, and my entire family. Old friends and new ones. Familiar faces and strangers. That gentle old man from Monroe County who sent my campaign a check for $5. My hands were trembling when I took it out of the envelope.

The sportsman’s clubs were incredibly supportive. So were the veterans, police officers, and first responders. I was especially excited by the engagement of so many young people in our campaign. You give me hope!

The pro-life community is amazing. We have a new chance to protect all human life, especially unborn children. Thank you for your commitment to the weak and the vulnerable.

Hundreds of people spent thousands of hours making calls, knocking on doors, and working the polls. My campaign managers and field coordinators were all volunteers. I genuinely appreciate your donations of time, talents, and resources. And of course, your prayers.

Humbling is the best word to describe this experience. I’ve enjoyed the ride, and I hope you did too. Let’s make it a priority to maintain and grow all these friendships we’ve made. That’s an enduring treasure from this race that I never expected but value most of all.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 10:29-31. Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Don’t be afraid.

We don’t know why God does things and we cannot conceive of His plans. But He has plans for us, nonetheless. And He is always in charge, guiding humanity towards the Kingdom of God.

I wanted to win this race. Very badly. And I know you did too. But I accept the outcome.

Now let’s use our campaign as a springboard for optimism, authenticity, and civility in our politics going forward. Let’s continue to hold our party leaders and elected officials accountable. And let’s take every opportunity to share our faith, defend the Constitution and advance our conservative values.

I’m not going anywhere. I don’t need to be in Washington to keep working for Safe Communities, Good Jobs, and Strong Families. I’m happy to do it from my front porch in Germansville. With Huck by my side. And maybe an occasional whiskey and cigar too.

Whatever happens next, please know one thing. I’ll keep fighting to Keep America Free!

Thank you, friends, and God Bless.