State Rep. Marty Walsh of Dorchester won the mayoral race with 72,514 votes, according to unofficial numbers from the city's elections department. City Councillor At-Large John Connolly of West Roxbury received 67,606 votes. The text of his speech, delivered at the Park Plaza Hotel on Nov. 5, 2013, is below as prepared for delivery.

Thank you, Boston! Thank you!

Thank you!

Let me tell you, my parents had big dreams for their kids....but I'm not sure they were this big!

I am so grateful and honored for tonight's result.

For this kid from Taft Street in Dorchester, you've made Boston a place where dreams come true!

Together, we're going to make Boston a place where dreams come true for EVERY child and EVERY person, in EVERY corner of this city.

For this son of immigrants, you've made Boston a place of comebacks and second chances.

My life is a story made possible by this city.

Boston is tough.

And we're smart.

But we're caring, too.

This city proved it in the face of tragedy.

The Red Sox proved it.

Hard work, hope, and heart.

These things really do make the difference.

People all over this city prove it every day.

And I'm proud to say we've proved it in this campaign, too!

This is Boston Strong!

And together, we're going to make Boston even stronger!

We're going to do it by expanding opportunity, building community, ensuring equality.

Opportunity.

Because every woman, man and child deserves a chance.

Community.

Because that's the strength of this city.

Equality.

Because everybody gets ahead, not just some.

I reach out tonight to everyone and anyone in this city who shares these values.

Stand with me, because I am ready to stand and work with you.

In January, Boston begins a new era.

We get to write a new chapter in its 400 year history.

We know Boston is a strong and fortunate city.

My mission as Mayor is to do better-to make Boston the hub of opportunity.

To open the doors of opportunity to a strong and growing middle class and those struggling to get there.

To build a community of shared prosperity and a place of equality.

One Boston regardless of where you live or who you are.

Together, we can improve our schools -every school.

We will close the achievement gap, make pre-K available to 4 year olds in every neighborhood, and reform our high schools.

Together, we can make it clear that Boston is OPEN, to attract new jobs and new businesses and strengthen existing ones, especially the small businesses that are the backbone of our neighborhoods.

Together, we can make our streets safer so no parent worries their child won't come home at night.

No woman feels threatened on the street or in her home.

No senior citizen feels scared or isolated.

I know this won't be easy.

But Boston is ready - and I am too.

I think about the Bostonians I've met these past seven months.

People like the little fifth grader who made me the good luck bracelet I wear on my arm.

Mrs. Josephine Walcott, of Roxbury, a 101 year old lady who went out to cast a vote for me today.

Tyesha Thompson, who transformed her life with the Building Pathways program and a good job in the trades-because all she wanted was a chance.

And Kai, an expectant mother who was so determined to march at our rally last night on Columbia Road...and then went into labor a few minutes later.

These are the inspirations and strengths I will take to City Hall as your Mayor.

And I will be guided as well by the strength and leadership of Mayor Tom Menino.

Mayor Menino's legacy is a world class city that is attracting new people.

A vibrant economy.

A strong fiscal position.

Mayor Menino has led Boston successfully into the 21st century.

But that's not all - he's done it while never forgetting where he came from and the people he serves.

Mayor Menino, on behalf of myself and the 636,000 other Bostonians, I say thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

We wish you and Angela the very best as you enjoy the years ahead.

I want to mention another Boston legend as well: Ray Flynn.

Mayor Flynn restored pride and focus to Boston's neighborhoods, the soul of our city.

Mayor Flynn has always cared passionately about all our residents, especially the less fortunate.

Thank you, Mayor Flynn, for all you've done.

As we get ready for change at City Hall, public services and the people's business must go on uninterrupted.

And I am eager to get started on our ambitious agenda.

In the coming days, I'll announce a transition plan and work with Mayor Menino and his staff to ensure the smoothest possible handover from his administration to mine.

And I will be reaching out to people across the city, in every community.

I want ideas and a City Hall that truly represents all of Boston.

There are so many people I need to thank and acknowledge.

They say it takes a village to raise a child.

Well, it takes a whole city to make a Mayor.

Over the next few days, I'll do my best to reach out to all of you.

Let me mention just a few names tonight.

First, my family...

My mother, my brother, Johnny, and the love of my life, Lorrie, and her daughter, Lauren.

And my father, who is with us here in spirit tonight.

I also want to thank my family who traveled 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to be here tonight.

I love you.

And I thank you for your lifetime of love and support.

I want to thank my friends, John Connolly and his wife Meg.

John cares deeply about Boston and its people, just like me.

I thank John for his campaign and his leadership, especially on education.

I know he'll continue to serve our city in so many ways.

And to all John's supporters, I reach out my hand and welcome your help and ideas.

We share a commitment to this city, and to meeting the challenges ahead.

And I'm going to work to earn your support.

We are one Boston.

Charlotte Golar Richie, Felix Arroyo, John Barros:

I am so grateful for your friendship and support.

I'll be a better Mayor for your wisdom and insight.

Thank you for all you have done for our city.

To my colleagues in the Legislature and at City Hall, you have taught me so much over the years.

I thank you.

To my brothers and sisters in the labor movement and working people across Boston - thank you for representing what is best in this city and our nation.

And thank you for supporting me!

To my friends in the recovery community, who know the importance of second chances, just like I do.

Thank you!

To my campaign staff - what can I say except you guys are the greatest.

There's none of you I will ever forget.

I love you guys.

Thank you!

To the six thousand eight hundred people who volunteered for my campaign because you believe in me and this city - thank you!

Whether you were able to give me one hour or two hundred, I want you to know I will never forget it.

I wouldn't be up here tonight without each one of you.

This is your night, this is your victory.

Finally, I want to say once again: thank you to ALL the people of Boston.

And to everyone who voted in this election, who participated in this campaign for any candidate, who cared enough to get involved because you know it matters - thank you.

I can't predict all the challenges Boston will face these next four years.

Or all the opportunities we'll be given.

But I can promise you this.

If we set our sights high...and work together with our hearts, minds and hands...then, Boston, I promise you the best is yet to come!

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

God bless you.

God bless the great city of Boston!

And God bless America

Thank you.