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"You saw fit to send me to Washington in 2009 at an economically challenging time for our country," Himes said at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport shortly after his Republican opponent Dan Debicella conceded the race to him.
"What we're seeing tonight reflects the reality: things have gotten better, but they're still not good enough," Himes said. "Too few American families are feeling the recovery."
Himes thanked his daughters, wife and father, who joined him up on stage to celebrate his victory. He extended his gratitude to all the volunteers and staffers who helped him win a fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also paid tribute to Debicella, with whom he had just gotten off the phone.
"This we're both proud of the fact that this race was pretty clean, with a focus on the issues. That's a tribute to him," Himes said.
Himes said he was looking forward to joining a new Congress that would "lead with ideas, and lead with commitment to the idea that we are an exceptional nation."
One area where the government has not focused enough is education, he said. It is essential that people have access to educational opportunities in order to fulfill the American dream, he said, and that it was something he wanted to work on in his next term.
Himes said that one thing he has learned is that Americans are be tired of the polarization and partisanship in Washington.
"I stand here as a proud Democrat, but I also stand here knowing that if we are going to move this country forward, we are going to stand by the values that make us Democrats and Republicans, but we are going to find ways to meet in the middle so once again we can govern ourselves," Himes said. He said he hopes that he will join a new Congress in January willing to compromise.
"We are Americans first, and if we are to lead, we must find ways to work together, North and South, rich and poor, black and white, we must find ways to work together to move this country forward."
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