The end of the year is a time for reflection. It's a time to recognize what's been accomplished, and to identify the challenges that still remain for the future.
First and foremost, we left the pundits and Republicans who said "red wave" every waking minute for the last 12 months with some major egg on their faces. We showed that organizing matters, that values matter, and that voters tend to punish at the ballot box those who run on taking away their rights.
Here in Virginia, Democrats bounced back from 2021, fought hard for every inch of our Commonwealth, and successfully defended the seats of Jennifer Wexton and Abigail Spanberger (my Congresswoman!) — seats that Republicans were convinced they could win heading into Election Day. We also just nominated the incredible Jennifer McClellan in the 4th District, putting Virginia on track to finally send its first Black woman to Congress!
Now, we have to build upon what was done this year. Countless organizers and volunteers have laid the groundwork for the path to victory in the districts that will determine control of Virginia's legislature in 2023. In District 33, we have a chance to expand our Senate majority and place a firm barrier against Glenn Youngkin's extreme agenda.
Abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and workers rights were on the ballot in Senate, House, and gubernatorial races this year, and they'll be on the ballot in Virginia next year. We have to fight for them again just as hard as we fought in 2022 — because I guarantee you that Glenn Youngkin is going to double down.
