Hillary Clinton Friday urged fellow Democrats to "move forward with courage, confidence and optimism" and to "let resistance plus persistence equal progress for our party and our country."
"After the primaries we came together as a party to write the most progressive platform in history," the former Democratic presidential candidate said in a video message to members at the party's winter meeting in Atlanta. "Ideas we championed are now inspiring leaders and activists across our country.
"And everywhere people are marching, protesting, tweeting, speaking out and working for an America that's hopeful, inclusive and big-hearted," Clinton said.
Party members are expected to elect a new chairman of the Democratic National Committee on Saturday, with eight candidates vying for the post.
The leaders are former Obama administration Labor Secretary Tom Perez and current Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison, though he has the backing of such party heavyweights as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
"The challenges we face as a party and a country are real, so now more than ever we need to stay engaged in the field and online — reaching out to new voters and everyone who wants a better, stronger, fairer America," Clinton said.
"We, as Democrats, must move forward with courage, confidence and optimism and stay focused on the elections we must win this year and next.
"Let resistance plus persistence equal progress for our party and our country," she said.
"Keep fighting, and keep the faith — and I'll be right there with you every step of the way."