Dear John,
Early voting for state and local elections begins Friday, September 19th. I strongly encourage you to make your voice heard and plan to vote on or before Election Day on November 4th.
Locations and hours for early voting have recently expanded. For 45 days, you are able to vote early at Courthouse Plaza, Madison Community Center, and Walter Reed Community Center. You can find more information about how to vote early here. Election Day is November 4th, and you may also vote on that day at your regular polling location. You can look up your polling place here.
Now is the time to send a message to Trump and his MAGA allies through the ballot box. The policies of the Trump Administration have harmed our communities and our livelihoods. Virginians are losing healthcare so billionaires can garner tax breaks. The protections we once took for granted under the U.S. Constitution are in jeopardy every day. Together, in a loud voice, we must say “Enough.” The candidates described below will be the antithesis to Trump; they will stand with Virginians.
Democratic Candidates for Statewide Offices:
There will be three statewide offices on the ballot in November – the office of the Governor, the office of the Lieutenant Governor, and the office of the Attorney General. I am supporting the respective Democratic nominees for all three statewide races. Noted below are the reasons for my endorsements:
Governor: Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger will bring common sense and a passion for improving the lives of Virginians to the Commonwealth’s top job. Abigail is committed to building a public education system that is the best in the country. She understands that education is key to supporting a strong democracy and a strong economy. Abigail also knows that the high costs of housing, health care, and child care must be addressed and has plans for tackling these issues. She is taking the impacts of the federal firings and reductions in contract dollars for defense, academic research, and other important activities seriously. Her opponent does not believe these are real issues. Abigail will fight for Virginians and push back on Trump and his dangerous and unfair policies. I trust her to create the type of future that will enable all Virginians to thrive.
Lieutenant Governor: Ghazala Hashmi, a friend and our Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor, has a proven track record of defending fundamental rights. During my time serving with her in the Virginia Senate, I saw firsthand her unwavering commitment to democratic values – including her leadership on reproductive freedom, funding for our public schools, and support for working families. In instances where the Lieutenant Governor must cast the deciding vote, Ghazala will be a reliable vote for the values we hold dear.
Attorney General: I am supporting Jay Jones in the race for Attorney General of Virginia. Jay is the best leader to protect Virginians’ freedoms and safety. I know we can count on Jay to defend our reproductive rights, keep Virginians safe from gun violence, and improve the well-being of all Virginia children. Jay served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Unit of the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia. He knows how to take on big corporations on behalf of consumers. I got to know Jay when he served in the Virginia House of Delegates, and I can tell you that he will fight Trump’s disregard for the U.S. Constitution and protect our individual rights and liberties.
Democratic Candidates for House of Delegate Races:
House of Delegates: I have endorsed all three Democratic nominees for the House of Delegates representing Arlington. In the 1st House of Delegates District, the nominee is incumbent Delegate Patrick Hope; in the 2nd District, it is incumbent Delegate Adele McClure; in the 3rd District, the nominee is incumbent Delegate Alfonso Lopez. I am confident that each of them will continue to represent Arlington’s values in Richmond.
Democratic Candidates for Local Offices:
It is important to note that our local candidates will not have a party designation after their name, so the Democratic sample ballot is a helpful tool in navigating the ballot.
Arlington County Board: Your ballot will have an election option for a member of the Arlington County Board. I’m proud to endorse incumbent Takis Karantonis, who has a proven record of embodying Arlington’s progressive values and represents us well on the County Board.
Arlington County School Board: I’m endorsing Moe Bryant for Arlington County School Board. Moe is committed to ensuring that our public schools are a safe and welcoming environment for all children and their families. Now, more than ever, we need representatives who will govern with the principles of inclusiveness and tolerance as important policy decisions are being made. I trust Moe Bryant to be that person.
We have a unique opportunity in Virginia to elect quality Democratic candidates and show the world that Trump and his MAGA allies are wrong for Virginia. But the only way to send this message and secure a brighter future for Virginians is by voting on or before November 4th!
It is an honor and a privilege to represent you in Richmond.
