Rita Hart, Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party.

DES MOINES — On Thursday, Nov. 7, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart sent a letter to members of the Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee. It reads as follows:

Fellow Democrats,

I’m not going to sugarcoat it, Tuesday was an absolute gut punch, both here in the state of Iowa and nationally. I will tell you that it is really hard to envision what is next for Iowa Democrats.

I know that many of you are scared, unsure and filled with anxiety – but I believe there is hope because of all of you. We are a stronger party because we have worked hard as a team to change infrastructure, improve our data system, raise money, empower volunteers, engage better with county parties, and strengthen our grassroot efforts. That is why this election cycle is extra disappointing.

Some of what happened on Tuesday was out of our control. This was a national trend. We will be part of the conversation to help determine how Democrats can win again in this country. In the meantime, my focus is on how to empower our fellow Iowa Democrats.

Like Vice President Harris, I believe “…the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.”

We have always known that making the changes we want to see is going to take time. It took several cycles to get us where we are. It’s going to take several cycles to turn things around.

As always, we must prepare for another election. Our voices are strong. We will not give up. We know what’s at stake. We will continue to work together because that’s the only way we can succeed.

We start by listening to each other and our friends and neighbors, even if we disagree. As Barack Obama tells us, this is “how we’ll keep building a country [and state] that is more fair and more just, more equal and more free.”

This may be the hardest work and the toughest task we have ever tried to accomplish. Remember that nothing worthwhile comes about without hard work. Let’s not throw up our hands. Let’s roll up our sleeves and go back to work.

Rita Hart is Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party.