Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks on 2016 Presidential Election

November 9, 2016

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Good afternoon, everyone. Like millions of New Yorkers, I'm deeply disappointed by the results of this election – but I'm equally dedicated to our democracy, and determined to preserve the values our City cherishes.

I congratulate the New Yorker who won the election, Donald Trump. And I honor the New Yorker who won our city's vote and the popular vote nationally, Hillary Clinton.

I call on all New Yorkers to move forward together, resolute and determined to protect and preserve the City we love and the values we cherish.

It's no secret that I have profound political disagreements with president-elect Trump. But now comes the hard part – governing. And I commit to working with the new administration, positively and constructively, to rebuild our infrastructure, create more jobs, protect our residents and preserve the liberties that New Yorkers enjoy.

I take solace in the fact that the president-elect is a dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker, and I hope and trust he will remember the lessons of a life lived in New York City.

New York believes in economic opportunity. This has always been a place where everyone had a chance to make it. We know that our City's future depends on lifting the floor for all, no matter your zip code or ethnicity or gender. We know that income inequality has to be tackled. We fight for the things that help working men and women, like paid sick leave, a higher minimum wage, affordable housing and paid parental leave. This was true in the time of Al Smith and Franklin Roosevelt, and it remains true today.

New York believes in liberty. We stand behind Lady Liberty with open arms to welcome immigrants and refugees. We always have and we always will.

New York believes in tolerance. We long ago showed the world that live and let live is the best policy. We embrace civil rights and religious diversity. We always have and we always will.

New York is the symbol of America to so much of the world. We are a showcase, but we are also a target because our values work. We embrace our role as America's greatest city. We will continue to keep our people safe – all our people, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

We will continue to bind up the wounds and heal the relationship between our police and our communities. In the ultimate city of neighborhoods, we embrace a vision of neighborhood policing that keeps us strong, and safe, and more unified.

These are the values New Yorkers share. And these values have never been dependent on any one person or any one office.

They are a part of our identity.

They always have been, and they always will be.

Today is a time of reflection. Tomorrow, resolutely and purposefully, the work begins again.

Thank you.