Hunter Rand Concedes Sparks, Ward 2: Announces Endorsement of Jamie O’Connell

First, I want to acknowledge what an extraordinary honor it has been to participate in our democratic process during the 250th anniversary of the founding of these United States.

On June 6th, I was in Boston to speak at the U.S. Pirate National Convention. While there, I had the opportunity to walk the Freedom Trail and stand in places I had only ever read about in textbooks. I stood in the shadows of Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and so many others who helped shape our nation. Standing atop Breed's Hill, where George Washington commanded some of America's earliest patriots put into perspective just how fortunate we are.

We often take it for granted, but the ability to participate in government, to criticize our leaders, to parody them, to challenge them, and to air our grievances without fear is a remarkable privilege. It is one of the great gifts of American democracy, and it is something worth protecting.

This campaign was, in many ways, a statement about what government should be - it was my protest. It was built on the belief that elected officials should put people first. Too often, government at every level can become distracted by institutions, special interests, political maneuvering, personal ambition, and temptation. But representative government exists for one reason: to represent the people.

Not corporations. Not unions. Not special interests. Not industry groups. Not lobbyists. Not political insiders.

The people. You and I: the neighbors who live, work, raise families, and build communities together.

I ran as a member of the U.S. Pirate Party, a political party I have proudly belonged to throughout my adult life. The first plank of the Pirate Party platform is simple: People First. That principle has guided this campaign from the beginning, and it will continue to guide me long after it ends.

Today, I concede the election for Sparks City Council, Ward 2, and I am proud to enthusiastically endorse Jamie O'Connell, for this office.

Over the last year, I have had the opportunity to get to know Jamie. I believe she is intelligent, thoughtful, and deeply committed to serving this community. More importantly, I believe she possesses the integrity, toughness, grit, and determination necessary to put the people of Sparks first, even when doing so is difficult. Most importantly, she is kind, so incredibly kind.

If you supported me, I ask that you consider supporting Jamie.

If you hosted a sign for me, I ask that you consider hosting a sign for Jamie.

If you contributed to my campaign, I ask that you consider contributing to Jamie.

My campaign may be ending, but hers is not. Elections are never won by one person alone. They are won by communities of people working together toward a common goal. As Jamie likes to say, "It Sparks With You."

Finally, I want to thank every person who supported this campaign and my candidacy.

Thank you to everyone who shared a kind word, knocked on doors, volunteered their time, displayed a sign, made a contribution, attended an event, or simply encouraged me along the way. I am profoundly grateful for the trust, support, and friendship that so many of you showed over the last year.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your kindness and generosity will be remembered and cherished by me for the rest of my life.

Normally, I would conclude a statement like this with contact information and an invitation for media interviews and comment. Instead, as I return to my career, my family, and life as a private citizen, I am pleased to say that I will not be available for interviews or comment.

Don’t give up the ship.

Hunter Rand