Today is Election Day and our family has voted!

Chloe, Thessa, and Jordan cast their ballots a couple of weeks ago while they were home. George and I voted today, and Koa joined us for the ride (just as all of our kids did when they were too young to vote).

After months of walking neighborhoods, knocking on doors, making phone calls, attending community events, answering questionnaires, participating in interviews and forums, sending emails, and having countless conversations with voters, this campaign comes down to today.

As I reflect on this journey, there are moments when I feel like I did absolutely everything I could have possibly done. Then there are moments when I wonder if I could have done more.

The truth is, I don’t know how to do anything halfway.

I have poured my heart, soul, energy, and every ounce of determination I have into this campaign. I’ve lost my voice talking to voters. I’ve spent countless hours away from home. I’ve been exhausted more times than I can count.

But, somehow, I am also energized.

As I sit here on Election Day, I find myself thinking back to the very first official campaign email I sent in September.

In that email, I told you about a seven-year-old immigrant girl who arrived in this country unable to speak English.

That little girl could never have imagined the opportunities that awaited her.

She could not have imagined becoming a teacher.

She could not have imagined becoming a union leader.

She could not have imagined being the first Latina elected to the Long Beach Community College Board of Trustees.

She could not have imagined finally finishing a doctorate at 52.

She certainly could not have imagined running for Long Beach City Council.

This country gave me those opportunities.

It gave me the opportunity to run for college board for the community college I love in 2016.

It gave me the opportunity to run for city council in the city I love in ten years later.

For that, I will always be grateful.

I am also energized by the incredible people I have met along the way. By the stories you’ve shared with me. By the trust you’ve placed in me. By the volunteers who showed up. By the donors who invested in this campaign. By the neighbors who opened their doors. By the friends, family members, coworkers, former students, labor leaders, community advocates, and supporters who believed in this effort.

No matter what happens tonight, I am profoundly grateful.

We have received an overwhelming response for our Election Night Celebration, and I cannot wait to gather together and celebrate this journey. Yesterday, we spent time preparing the venue, and it looks absolutely beautiful. For those who attended our Leadership & Love anniversary fundraiser last year, you’ll recognize the location—but it has been completely remodeled.

Tonight, we’ll enjoy food from local restaurants, music from a local DJ, and the company of the many people who helped make this campaign possible. Whether we are celebrating a victory or simply celebrating the journey itself, it will be a special evening.

RSVP for Election Night Party

So whatever happens when the votes are counted, I want you to know this:

I will be the same person tomorrow that I was yesterday, and who I am today. 

The same little girl who believed that hard work matters.

The same woman who believes in service.

The same community advocate who believes our neighborhoods deserve investment.

The same educator who believes in opportunity.

The same union member who believes working families deserve a voice.

The same person who will continue fighting for the community I love.

I will still be George’s wife, and Chloe, Thessa, Jordan, and Koa’s mom. 

Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you for walking this journey with me.

Thank you for allowing me the honor of earning your trust.

Now, let’s see what the voters of Long Beach District 7 have to say.

With gratitude,

Dr. Vivian Malauulu

Candidate for Long Beach City Council District 7