Abrams sends email for McAuliffe, redistricting meeting happens today, and more
The latest in Virginia politics
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Stacey Abrams stomps for McAuliffe (by email)
Stacey Abrams has become a star in the Democratic party after she ran for governor of Georgia in 2018. Now she is one of the biggest activists for voter rights in the country.
Read what she had to say about the Virginia gubernatorial race in the fundraising email below:
“Just like the focus was on Georgia in 2020, all eyes will be on Virginia in 2021. My friend Terry McAuliffe is running for Governor against an extreme culture warrior who has the backing of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz.
Brandon, Virginia has made incredible progress under Terry’s leadership. If his opponent succeeds in using his deep pockets to buy the Virginia Governor's office, he will reverse the progress made across the Commonwealth.
For Terry to win, he’ll need to build the biggest grassroots army in the history of Virginia politics. He can do it, but he needs our help.”
Youngkin Exclusive: Candidate’s wife addresses CRT, deceptive political ad - Potomac Local
by Uriah Kiser
Suzanne Youngkin, the wife of Virginia Republican Governor hopeful Glenn Youngkin, is speaking out on the state of education in the commonwealth and on the fight over critical race theory.
In Virginia, and in school board meetings across the U.S., parents have lined up to protest critical race theory, belief that white supremacy exists in the U.S. despite the rule of law. Nearly half of U.S. states have banned critical race theory, as opponents say the practice pits citizens against one another by race.
In Virginia governor’s race, a raging debate about education takes center stage - Washington Post
by Laura Vozzella
Parents and teachers, already exercised about public schools amid raging K-12 culture wars and the aftermath of pandemic-era shutdowns, are proving attractive targets this year for Virginia gubernatorial candidates — in strikingly different ways.
Terry McAuliffe (D), a former governor attempting a comeback, launched his campaign in December in front of a Richmond elementary school then shuttered by the pandemic.
House of Delegates candidates Wilt and Helsley rush to the political middle - Harrisonburg Citizen
By Jessica Kronzer, Isabela Gladston and Jake Conley
Local Democrats branded a downtown rally on June 15 as an official beginning of the fall campaign for the area’s seat in the Virginia House of Delegates — a starting point that seemed both simultaneously late and early.
In some senses, the November election remains far off, and with so much reopening over the past few weeks, it can be tough for candidates to get people’s attention. But, for area Democrats who have sought to flip the 26th District seat in recent years, less than five months until an election is the political equivalent of a blink, especially when trying to unseat an established Republican incumbent like Del. Tony Wilt.
Redistricting Commission Prepares to Meet In-Person for the First Time - WVTF
By JAHD KHALIL
Virginia’s redistricting commission will meet in person for the first time Tuesday. The meeting in Richmond comes after months of virtual meetings.
Tuesday’s meeting will have both legislators and citizen members of the Virginia redistricting commission meeting in person. Between a newly-expired state of emergency last week and new legislation on virtual participation, the commissioners are learning how to do business - again.
Virginia progressive groups host ‘accountability viewing’ for July 6 Redistricting Commission meeting
The Virginia Counts Coalition (VCC) will host another “accountability viewing” during the Tuesday, July 6 commission meeting on Zoom at 10:00 a.m. Community leaders and legal experts will join to create a space for public dialogue surrounding the redistricting process. In the last meeting, commissioners discussed partnering with community organizations to facilitate public engagement in the shortened redistricting timeline.
Those interested in joining today’s watch party can sign up here. Here are the details.
WHO: Virginia Counts Coalition and Virginia Redistricting Commission
WHAT: Redistricting Commission Accountability Viewing
WHEN: Tuesday, July 6, 2021, 10:00 AM EDT -- 12:00 PM EDT
WHERE: Zoom: http://virginia-senate.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=3
More News:
How and why Loudoun County became the face of the nation’s culture wars
Consequences possible if Augusta County doesn't adopt policy changes for transgender students
During the pandemic, Medicaid enrollment soared to more than half a million Virginians
Prince William Co. beefs up unit that pairs police with therapists