Last night, Virginia Democrats chose their nominees to #KeepVABlue this fall. Now that the primaries are decided, we’re excited to announce our full slate of supported candidates. You can support them all by donating here: swingleft.org/va-candidates
But first, let’s meet them:
Delegate Alex Askew (HD-85) was born and raised in Virginia Beach. He ran to represent his community in the legislature to stand up for the issues that matter most: Affordable health care, quality education, economic opportunities, and a safe environment for all of us.
Delegate Joshua Cole (HD-28) was first elected in 2019, becoming one of the youngest representatives in Virginia. Since being elected, Delegate Cole has voted to increase access to affordable health care, raise the minimum wage, and make community college tuition free.
Debra Gardner (HD-27) has over 30 years of public service experience in human services, public safety, and criminal justice. She is running to ensure the people in her district have access to health care, good-paying jobs, and protection from eviction or food insecurity.
Delegate Wendy Gooditis (HD-10) was elected in 2017 to represent parts of Clarke, Frederick, and Loudoun counties. She ran for office because as a mom, educator, and someone who has lived in rural areas her whole life, she understands the unique challenges facing many Virginians.
Delegate Nancy Guy (HD-83) was elected in 2019, beating a 10-year GOP incumbent. A cancer survivor, Del. Guy has channeled her energy into fighting for causes she believes in, namely proper funding for public education, gun safety laws, and environmental protections.
Delegate Elizabeth Guzman (HD-31) came to the United States from Peru, and in 2017, became one of the first two Latinx women elected to the House of Delegates. She is committed to building a Virginia that is number one not just for business, but also for workers.
Delegate Chris Hurst (HD-12) has worked tirelessly to increase access to mental health care, pass stronger gun safety laws, and ensure Virginians have access to quality schools with well-paid teachers.
Kim Melnyk (HD-84) is a former teacher and small business owner raised in Virginia Beach. In 2014, Kim defeated a GOP incumbent to win her seat on the Virginia Beach School Board, where she has helped raise teacher pay and implement full-day kindergarten, among other reforms.
Katie Sponsler (HD-66) is an Air Force veteran and former National Park Service Ranger. She is running to fight for veteran's health care and services, racial justice, gun violence prevention, education, labor and the environment.
Delegate Roslyn Tyler (HD-75) has served in office since 2006. She is a medical professional and small business owner. From education to health care, she has made it her mission to ensure that the children and families in her community have a champion in Richmond.
And last but definitely not least, our Virginia targets include Swing Left's first ever gubernatorial race! Last night, VA Democrats chose former Governor Terry McAuliffe to lead the commonwealth again and continue the progress made since Democrats took over in 2019.
Keeping VA blue is not going to be easy. Republicans are putting tons of money and effort into reversing all the progress that's been made in the state, but with this slate of candidates and your help, we can stop them. Support our nominees here: swingleft.org/va-candidates
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We've targeted 6 legislative districts to #KeepVABlue. In 4 of those, we already know who the Democratic candidate will be. Let's meet them: (thread) swingleft.org/p/virginia?utm…
Representing Virginia Beach and House District 85, meet @AlexAskew757. A former Chief of Staff of the VA House of Delegates, Askew was crafting legislation even before he was elected a Delegate himself.
.@JoshuaCole joined the House of Delegates in 2019, representing HD28 in Fredericksburg and Stafford County. In his first term, he has led on issues ranging from infrastructure to criminal justice and beyond.
Virginia's elections for state legislature and governor are our biggest focus for 2021. Why Virginia? Glad you asked. Thread incoming:
1) Virginia votes first. Each cycle, after a presidential or midterm election, the only states that pick their legislators and governor on the "off-year" are Virginia and New Jersey, and NJ is safely blue. We're focused on Virginia.
2) Virginia is a bellwether state, and it has recently been where big election waves for Democrats start. Our victories in 2018 and 2020 each started with big wins in Virginia the year before.
IDAHO, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MONTANA, NEW MEXICO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA and D.C. — see below for last-minute voting instructions to make sure yours counts.
IDAHO: The County Clerk must receive your ballot by 8pm tonight. Find your clerk here: idahovotes.gov/county-clerks/
INDIANA: Return your ballot to your county clerk by 12PM unless you plan to vote in person. Follow @INDems’ instructions if you haven’t received your ballot yet:
Election Day is less than 6 months away. We have no idea what that election will look like, but online registration and no-excuse absentee voting can help protect your vote while state offices and some polling places are closed.
Is your state on board? Check this thread👇
ALABAMA: You have limited absentee voting. (Want to change that? Vote in every election and support politicians who protect your voting rights.) See if you qualify here: sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/…
ALASKA: Apply now to vote absentee by mail in November’s election. If you’re registering for the first time, make sure to get that in by 10/3. elections.alaska.gov/Core/votingbym…
In 2016 Virginia restored #votingrights to 150,000 residents who had served their time for non-violent felonies. Hear about one voter who was affected by that change from Swing Left volunteer @SueHughen (THREAD):
I knocked, I smiled, and introduced myself. Sally (not her real name) smiled back and welcomed the canvassing conversation. She was happy, sincere, and listened intently. We chatted for a bit and then I asked, ‘Are you registered to vote?’
I saw the crushing body language, the averted eyes, and slumped shoulders. She lost inches in stature, confidence and poise. She choked out her next words, ‘I cannot vote; I am a felon.’