Many of us woke up yesterday excited by the prospect of electing the first female president. But the day ended in disgust. The Democratic Party wrote history by being the first major party to nominate a female candidate for president, and we formed the most progressive platform in our history. This election has brought liberal values to the forefront of the American consciousness.

It is the affirmation of Trump and all he stands for that enrages us to our core. Elections transform the anger, hope, and passion of individuals into actionable change. With the over fifty-nine million votes cast for Donald Trump, the United States has expressed frustration with the current political system, and we recognize the need for political and economic reform. However, the Democratic victory of the popular vote illustrates that a majority of Americans continue to agree that love trumps hate. We must work to tap into that energy. Know that you are not alone in the repudiation of Trump’s America, the premise of bigotry, misogyny, islamophobia, homophobia, and xenophobia that fueled his campaign.

Progressives have been on the right side of history at every major crossroads this nation has faced. The abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and the legalization of gay marriage have all been championed by progressives. History tells us progressives have the power to bring about change. It will not be easy, particularly with a Republican White House and Congress. We must continue to fight for civil rights, economic opportunity, and freedom for all Americans. Decisions are made by those who show up. Now is the time, when we are at our lowest point, when we must be resilient by fighting harder than ever before.

Today is the first day in a new chapter of the Democratic Party, and our nation as a whole. The world is watching. How will we respond to the results of this divisive contest? President-elect Trump and the 2016 election have lit a fire under us. We cannot change the outcome of this election, but we can work with a Republican-controlled government to defend the progress we have made thus far.

We will continue to fight for progressive ideals. We will persevere. We will fight back. We shall overcome.