A busy day for Virginia political news junkies
An afternoon update on Virginia politics
EMILY’s List endorses Jennifer Carroll Foy for governor
EMILY’S List, one of the largest resources for women in politics has spent more than $1.4 million in Virginia since 2019. Today, even though they gave state Senator Jennifer McClellan’s gubernatorial campaign $18,019 last year, the group announced that they are endorsing Jennifer Carroll Foy.
“EMILY’s List is proud to endorse Jennifer Carroll Foy for governor of Virginia. Throughout her career, Jennifer has been a tireless advocate for Virginia’s working families, fighting for racial and economic equity, increased access to health care, and criminal justice reform. Jennifer understands the challenges that many Virginians are facing— juggling multiple jobs, struggling to afford medical bills, and reeling from the impacts of COVID-19 — because she has lived these experiences herself. It is long past time to elect a Black woman governor who will dedicate herself to bettering the lives of Virginia’s working families and communities of color, as we know Jennifer will.”
Prominent liberal donors back Virginia state Sen. Jennifer McClellan's bid to become nation's first Black female governor - CNN
A prominent pair of liberal donors is urging fellow contributors to back Virginia Democrat Jennifer McClellan in an effort to catapult the state senator ahead in the crowded gubernatorial field of this year's closely watched contest.
In a letter going to donors Thursday, and shared first with CNN, California husband-and-wife team Steve Phillips and Susan Sandler, ask their donor network to plow money into McClellan's bid for the Democratic nomination -- even as her rival, former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, scoops up key endorsements and campaign cash.
Terry McAuliffe’s campaign responds to the latest poll showing him with a large lead in the Democratic primary for governor
In case you missed it, a new poll from The Wason Center at Christopher Newport University showed that 47% of Democratic voters support McAuliffe for governor. Next was Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (8%), state Sen. Jennifer McClellan (6%), Jennifer Carrol Foy (5%) and Del. Lee Carter (1%).
McAuliffe’s campaign manager Chris Bolling released a statement Thursday after the poll was released. “Since day one of this campaign, Terry McAuliffe has been speaking directly to Virginians about how we can create a stronger, more equitable post-COVID economy that invests in workers, addresses inequities in health care and education, and lifts everyone up. Terry is the leader Virginians are looking for in this critical time -- he has a proven track record of delivering progress for Virginians, and a big, bold vision to secure our recovery and a stronger future," said Bolling. “Terry has built an unmatched broad, diverse, and expansive coalition of supporters who share his vision to build Virginia back stronger and create a better, brighter future for all.”
Cox says he is willing to teach again to help students that have fallen behind
Former Virginia House of Delegates Speaker and retired teacher Kirk Cox announced through his gubernatorial campaign Thursday that he would be willing to tutor students whose education has been impacted by extended remote learning.
“Study after study has shown that the best way to help our students who’ve suffered from learning loss over the past year is through small group and individual tutoring. We need to mobilize past, present and future teachers to help our students get back on track — and I’m willing to jump in and help. As a former educator and coach, I know what a difference individualized attention can make for students who are struggling,” Cox said. “I’ve been saying since July that students should be back in the classroom. But after the year they’ve experienced it’s going to require much more than being inside a building to repair the learning loss they’ve been dealt. To my fellow retired teachers: please consider joining me in the fight to attack the learning loss Virginia’s kids have experienced.”
Mayor of Richmond Levar Stoney and Delegate Dawn Adams endorsed Hala Ayala for lieutenant governor
“I am proud to support Delegate Hala Ayala for Lieutenant Governor,” said Mayor Stoney. “I’ve seen Delegate Ayala’s work first hand, and she is exactly the type of leader we need here in Richmond. Her unique perspective and passion has served the Democratic Majority well in the General Assembly, and she has been a voice for our Black and Brown communities. She has been a leader within the General Assembly as it has been able to pass some of the most progressive legislation our Commonwealth has ever seen, and this has directly bettered the city of Richmond and it’s people. Hala consistently leads with justice and equity in mind, and I know she will continue this as Lieutenant Governor. I hope you will join me in supporting her.”
“Hala was my seat-mate during our first term after the 2017 election and has been a steadfast friend and remarkable leader,” said Delegate Adams. “We have amazing talent and amazing people running for statewide office but I believe Hala is the only candidate who can unite our party and win in November. I know she will continue to work hard building a better Virginia as our lieutenant governor.”
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay endorsed Sean Perryman for lieutenant governor
McKay is the seventh member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the tenth Fairfax County elected official to endorse Perryman
“I'm excited to endorse Sean Perryman for Lt. Governor,” said Chairman McKay. “Over the years, I have seen Sean work tirelessly on the ground to stand up for our community, and he brought this commitment to his role as Fairfax County NAACP President. We have both devoted our careers to fighting for equity and have worked together to improve the lives of our vulnerable residents. Sean understands the inequities in our systems and is well positioned to lead on policy and deliver change to lift up Virginians. As we look to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, I trust that Sean will be the partner Fairfax County needs in Richmond to help us not just get back on track, but to make sure all of us are better off then before."
Richmond Crusade for Voters Hosted Lively Forum for Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Candidates
Last night, the Richmond Crusade for Voters (RCV) hosted Richmond Commonwealth Attorney's candidates Tom Barbour and Colette McEachin in a debate moderated by RCV officer Johnny Walker. The virtual event, which lasted over an hour on Zoom, allowed each candidate to introduce themselves and field questions offered by Mr. Walker and submitted to the Zoom chat by viewers.
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Governor Northam Announces Expanded Capacity, Social Gathering Limits to Begin May 15
Governor Ralph Northam announced Thursday that sports and entertainment venues in Virginia may begin to operate with expanded capacity, and social gathering limits will increase beginning Saturday, May 15th. The announcement comes as vaccinations continue to rise in the Commonwealth, and more than half of all adults have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. All Virginians age 16 and older are now eligible to for the vaccine.