Wendy Davis Gets Candid About Losing

Former Texas state Senator Wendy Davis, who lost a bid for governor a little over a year ago, really hates to lose. Yet losing, she says in an essay for Lenny Letter, has helped her realize what’s most worth fighting for.

“Don’t get me wrong. I still think that losing sucks. And it’s OK to hate losing,” Davis writes. “That hatred provides us with the drive to face great challenges. But the losses I’ve endured have taught me that I am more powerful than the limitations of failed efforts.”

Davis says she’s seen in Texas a spark among other activists who also “hate to lose” and hopes they will continue to push progressive policies in the conservative state.

The Texan sprang into the national spotlight following a 13-hour filibuster of an anti-abortion bill in the state Senate. Despite her retribution of the bill, it was later signed by the governor. She tried to use the momentum she gained from the filibuster to catapult her gubernatorial run, but she lost against former Attorney General, Greg Abbott, who is now the governor.