Lucas -
In the days since President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, a lot of people have asked me what’s next for New York City. I’ve talked to many families who have lost hope, and even more who are desperately concerned about what’s going to happen to their loved ones or their health care once Donald Trump is sworn into office.
The first thing I would tell people is that our energy, activism, and passion are needed more today than ever before — because the best chance we have of moving forward is together. And as the largest and most diverse city in the country, New York has an obligation to lead the way.
And we have. Over the past few days, I have been inspired that in the midst of adversity our city has made the choice to engage rather than to resign ourselves and walk away.
People across the country have seen your messages of hope, love, and support taped to the walls of the Union Square subway station. They’ve watched as you’ve peacefully made your voices heard outside of Trump Tower.
I want you to know that you are not alone. We have a lot of tools at our disposal to protect the values and needs of the vast majority of New Yorkers, and I am prepared to use them. We will stand up to any attempt to deport people in our city, take away health insurance from the poorest among us, or undermine the reproductive rights of women.
Now, that will probably make us a target of Trump supporters in our upcoming re-election. While he only received small pockets of support in New York City, much of it came from people who are prepared to spend a lot of money to defeat us next year. And if this election taught us anything, it’s that we must be prepared for everything. So that’s why I need to ask:
As a city, we showed up on Tuesday. Though turnout plummeted across the country, more New York City residents voted in 2016 than in 2012. But regardless of who won, the work of democracy and building a more just and equitable society was always going to have to continue long after Election Day.
I am glad that we are in that fight together, because that is the only way we will succeed.
In solidarity,
Bill de Blasio
Mayor, New York City