“First, I want to congratulate Ken on a race well run and wish him well in the Fall. He ran a strong race and outlasted no less than seven competitors before it was all said and done.

“I want to thank the tens of thousands of South Carolinians who cast their ballots for me this past month. We worked hard, and we left it all out on the field. I especially want to thank the veterans and Tea Party folks who offered their support as volunteers and donors over the past sixteen months. The Tea Party movement may have suffered a setback tonight, but it is a strong movement that will continue into the future. I’m particularly grateful for the hundreds of friends we have made on the campaign trail these past months.

I also want to congratulate two of my fellow combat veterans on their victories tonight, Alan Wilson and Mick Zais. It is my profound hope that these are the first of a generation of combat veteran leaders to take office in South Carolina. We need that generation of leaders to get involved for the future health of our state moving forward.

Most importantly I want to thank my family, who has gone through 15 months of wartime separation and 16 months of a difficult campaign. I look forward to spending much more time with them in the coming days.

Finally, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for calling me to this great adventure. While we were not successful in this particular endeavor, I know that He holds my future, and the future of my family in His hands.”