Dear John,
June 20th is the primary election. Now is the time to make a plan to vote. Click here to find out where you can vote early. All polling places will be open on June 20th from 6:00am to 7:00pm.
I am honored to represent you in Richmond and would like to continue the important work we have started. The Washington Post endorsed me on June 9. An excerpt is contained below and the full endorsement can be found here. I ask for your vote in this primary election.
“The Democratic whip also chairs the Women’s Health Care Caucus. She introduced a bill that would have safeguarded menstrual health date, which garnered national attention when blocked by the Youngkin administration. Previously, she spearheaded legislation to fight surprise medical bills that became a national model.”
It is also worth noting that all NoVA Democratic Senators in primaries were endorsed by the Post. The Post writers felt that seniority in Richmond would mean more clout for the region. That is a valid point but it is also important to know that our Democratic incumbents have represented the progressive values of the region and moved Virginia forward in a transformational way.
Below are the candidates I have endorsed in the Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun races:
Arlington County Races
Commonwealth's Attorney: Criminal justice reform is very important to me and something that I have worked on throughout my 12 year tenure in the state senate. I trust our prosecutor, Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, to honor Arlington’s values and to seek proven rehabilitative justice strategies in her efforts to keep our community safe.
County Sheriff: I am supporting Jose R. Quiroz, Jr. Jose is the acting sheriff and has demonstrated a commitment to supporting inmates seeking a positive pathway forward. Jose has developed a good working relationship with our area Community Service Boards and other organizations that support re-entry programs for offenders.
County Board Seats--Two seats are open on the local governing board. I have endorsed J.D. Spain in this race because I am confident that J.D. will bring people together to find consensus solutions to local issues. J.D. has also earned endorsements from two incumbents on the County Board, Matt De Ferranti and Takis Karantonis. I have not made an endorsement for the second seat.
In the Arlington County Board primary races, voters will be given the opportunity to rank their top three choices. A candidate must earn over 33% of the vote to be declared a winner. This link explains the process in more detail.
Delegate District 2: --I am delighted to support my friend, community activist and Executive Director of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Adele McClure, in the race to represent voters in the newly drawn 2nd delegate district in Arlington. Adele brings an important perspective to issues around equity, justice and opportunity; and her experience in guiding important pieces of legislation through the General Assembly will serve Arlington well. She has earned endorsements from Delegate Hope and Delegate Sullivan along with many other local leaders. To learn more about the new district, click here.
Fairfax County Races:
Commonwealth's Attorney --I believe Steve Descano is the right person to keep Fairfax safe while using evidence-based rehabilitative strategies. His experience as a federal prosecutor and his passion for criminal justice reform make him an effective Commonwealth's Attorney. I trust Steve to demand accountability in a way that respects the victim and deters future criminal acts.
Board of Supervisors - Jeff McKay, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, is running for re- election and he deserves our vote. Jeff has led the region on developing ways to increase affordable housing, fund community-based mental health services and address climate change. He is a friend and trusted voice on local issues.
Dransville Supervisor--Jimmy Bierman is a father, husband and Fairfax native. His deep community ties will enable him to easily connect with constituents and his background as an attorney will be helpful in problem solving. I believe Jimmy will continue the John Foust model of high quality constituent service.
Loudoun County Races:
Commonwealth's Attorney--I believe Buta Biberaj should be given the chance to continue in her job. She has focused resources on serious crimes and offered diversion programs to offenders of lesser crimes. She embodies the principles of justice, equality, transparency and integrity. Buta will hold offenders accountable and treat victims with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Senate District 31--Russet Perry is our best chance of winning the highly competitve general election. Russet was an assistant prosecutor in Loudoun and legal advisor at the Central Inelligence Agency. She brings a wealth of professional experience and first hand knowledge about the challenges of managing a career while raising a family. I know Russet will be an excellent representative for the 31st district.
Senate District 32- - Suhas Subramanyam is a skilled legislator with a a big heart. I can always trust Suhas to be fair; and sensitive to the needs of the most vulnerable. He re- established the Commonwealth Caucus in an effort to facilitate legislative successes across the aisle. He will be an excellent Senator for the newly created district 32.
Delegate District 26-- Kannan Srinivasan serves on the Virginia State Medical Board and is now the chair of that body. Kannan graciously donates his time and considerable talent as a financial analyst to help ensure that those eligible for the Medicaid expansion program sign-up for the program. I know Kannan will be a values-driven lawmaker and will always fight for the things that matter.
Volunteer:
Please click here for information about canvassing and opportunities to work at the polls. Currently, our highest priority is for poll greeters on election day. I hope we can count on your support.
It is a privilege to serve you in Richmond.
