Oregon gov. John Kitzhaber acknowledge the problems caused by his girlfriend, Cylvia Hayes, when he declared victory before a crowd of Democrats in downtown Portland late Thursday.

Hayes was notable for her absence and did not join Kitzhaber on the stage.

After saying it was an honor to have been elected to a historic fourth term, Kitzhaber said, “I am also keenly aware that I stand here tonight because Oregonians stuck with me under difficult circumstances. I do not take that for granted, and I will not let you down. During this campaign you have risen above the noise and distractions and chosen to focus on the real challenges facing Oregon.”

Kitzhaber also promised that he was ready to lead the state forward, including working with the 2015 Oregon Legislature that starts in January on a range of issues, including continuing his efforts to reform education and health care.

“I get back to work tomorrow with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency to seize this historic moment and dedicate my fourth term to delivering on the goals and ideals we Oregonians share for our state,” Kitzhaber said.

And Kitzhaber said that it was a time for healing, beginning now.

Kitzhaber was preceded on the stage at the Hilton Hotel by a seemingly endless parade of Democratic elected officials and party functionaries, many of whom praised Oregon voters for electing and reelecting Democrats across the state at the same time that Republicans took control of the U.S. Senate.

“Congress may not be there for us, but Oregon stood strong,” said Multnomah County Commissioner Jules Bailey, who introduced Kitzhaber.