ble dedication and active, vocal, generous support of people like you, we contributed to the serious reduction in the number of anti-women’s health legislators in the Arizona Senate and House. In the case of the Senate, the number of women’s health supporters grew from nine to 13. And in the Arizona House, the number went from 20 to 24.

This is a tremendous victory for women's health, and a sign that Arizona voters understand the critical importance of protecting women’s health and rights.

So thank you. Your commitment made this possible. And our deepest gratitude goes out to those who volunteered, made phone calls, knocked on doors, donated generously, and made uncountable contributions to this victory.

We saw the worst our opponents had to offer this election season. They were well-funded and dead set on gaining power over women's private medical decisions, and we beat them – including the backwards agendas of the most extreme candidates. Unfortunately, Arizona government still won’t be a friendly place for women’s health care for the next couple of years. So one more important action item from yesterday is that we must start planning now to elect women’s health supportive candidates in November 2014. And 2014 will be another watershed moment as we elect statewide officers including Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State.

We saw the best of our supporters this election season. I saw supporters like you standing strong for Planned Parenthood and fighting to make your voices heard. I saw just how many people here in Arizona are willing to do whatever it takes to protect women's health and rights. I saw a president proudly speaking out about the importance of Planned Parenthood to communities nationwide — and I saw that president win.

There's no doubt we have a lot of work ahead of us. But I am proud of what you and other Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona supporters accomplished this election season. We will keep on speaking out, keep on working, keep on fighting to protect women's health and rights. I am so glad to know that you'll be with us every step of the way. And the defeat of anti-women’s health Senator Frank Antenori shows we can do it.

No matter what they threw at us, we were able to stand strong — thanks to you. And while I know the fight's not over, I am proud and grateful to celebrate with you today. Thank you for everything you do to stand with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona and the women, men, and young people who rely on us every single day.

Now please, go enjoy this historic victory. You've earned it.