The 2016 election is now behind us as a country, and while the future appears uncertain–especially for liberals and progressives–in a very real way you can say the race 2020 race began last night when Donald Trump was declared the winner.

Looking for a frontrunner in the Democratic party for 2020? Try California Attorney General Kamala Harris, who was elected to the United States Senate last night in the Golden State to replace the retiring Barbara Boxer. Harris will be the nation’s first Indian-American senator, and is only the second black woman ever elected to the Senate.

In a speech she gave last night as the returns began showing that Hillary Clinton was far behind in the Presidential race, Harris urged liberals and progressives to stand strong:

“Our ideals are at stake right now, and we all have to fight for who we are. I believe this is that moment in time for our country, where we are collectively being required to look in the mirror, and with furrowed brow, we are asking a question: Who are we? In California, I believe the answer is a good one: We are a great country.”

Harris also cited Coretta Scott King and said civil rights are something each and every generation has to fight for:

“Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation.

“It is the very nature of this fight for civil rights and justice and equality that whatever gains we make, they will not be permanent. So we must be vigilant. Do not despair. Do not be overwhelmed. Do not throw up our hands when it is time to roll up our sleeves and fight for who we are.”

There is no doubt that Senator Harris is right. As liberals and progressives, we face challenging times ahead, but we can learn from the loss and build a stronger platform and nominee as we move forward. And every step of the way, we have to be sure and speak truth to power. It won’t be easy, but it must be done. As the great civil rights anthem reminds us, “We shall overcome!”

This article was originally published by the same author at LiberalAmerica.org