Upon winning reelection to his fifth term in the United States Senate last night, Senator Harkin delivered addressed the crowd at his election night party in Des Moines, Iowa. Below is the speech that Senator Harkin gave. Scroll to the bottom of the page to watch video of Senator Harkin’s speech from The Des Moines Register.

Thank you all very much. Thank you

Thank you, Ruth, for those kind words. And, most of all, thank you for your love and support for the last 40 years. God has given me more than my fair share of blessings, and having Ruth at my side, as well as our two daughters, has been the greatest blessing of all.

By the way, I just wanted to say….I’m Tom Harkin and I approve this election for a fifth term in the United States Senate.

Indeed, this is a historic night for Iowa…and it looks like it will be for our nation, as well.

My fellow Iowans, you have spoken. You have turned out in record numbers and you have once again placed your trust in me. For that, I am eternally grateful, humbled…and ready to get back to work with a new president and a new congress focused on new priorities to bring our country together.

I need to thank some Iowans, who have stood, shoulder to shoulder with me.

I hope that our nation not only looks at this election as a mandate—but as a milestone.

We are about to welcome a new day, a new era in America. We are going to give our children hope that their days can be bright, bountiful and blessed with a new commitment for lasting change.

You know, it is about time we look across Iowa…and our nation…and find ways to work together…not tear each other apart.

I learned this as a small boy growing up in Iowa and I pledge to you, I will never forget where I came from and I will never forget what an HONOR it is to represent my great, home state of Iowa.

Guided by these values, I have always fought for bold, progressive change . . . change that means improved schools, better jobs, a cleaner environment . . . change that means an America at PEACE –strong, confident and respected in the world.

But, my friends, change can’t just be something that blows with the wind. We cannot forget what we have built in this election of unity. Change needs to be rooted in values. I just mentioned the values I learned growing up here – things like hard work and faith, caring for your neighbor, creating a better world for our children and grandchildren. That’s who I am. That’s why I’ve always been a proud Democrat.

And when you are guided by good values and sound principles, you can have the right kind of change . . . change that works . . . change that improves people’s lives in powerful ways.

The fact is, I have the same passion for equality and fairness as when I first went to Congress. I feel the same outrage when I see injustice and unfairness toward any human being.

And I have the same fighting spirit when it comes to standing up for Iowa values and Iowa priorities.

So let’s join together. Let’s keep this unity going. We have been strong partners throughout this campaign, but now its time to reach further—there is little doubt that our country will face serious challenges, here at home and around the world. Pledge with me tonight—to stay rooted in who we are as Americans—that together, we can stay together as one during even the toughest of times.

And know this: When we are united and working together as Iowans, and Americans—there is nothing we can’t accomplish to move this country forward!

Thank you very much. God bless all of you and God bless the United States of America.