With a new administration in the White House and a new legislative session in Virginia, we’re starting the year stronger than ever
Virginia Democrats started the year getting out the vote for special elections on January 5
The special elections in Georgia weren’t the only elections on January 5. On the same day, we turned out to keep two key districts blue. Angelia Williams Graves and Candi King are now the newest members of the House of Delegates!
On January 12 we announced debates planned for all three statewide offices this spring
This is a big deal. With an unprecedented number of Democrats running for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general, DPVA is stepping up to plan and host multiple debates for each office later this year. Debates will take place across the Commonwealth, and be available to watch on TV and stream online.
We’re really excited about this opportunity to give all our candidates a platform, and all five gubernatorial candidates have already committed to the four debates we have planned.
And to help us plan and execute these debates, Ivana Hall is rejoining the DPVA staff. Ivana most recently worked on the Biden campaign in Pennsylvania, and in 2019 she helped run our coordinated campaign that flipped both houses of the General Assembly.
To get to know her a little better, check out this op-ed she wrote for her hometown paper about the challenges of the new year and how the best way to confront the crises we face together is united in a spirit of community.
Another new staff member joined out team this month too
Manuel Bonder, who recently served as a communications advisor to the South Carolina Democratic Party for their Senate race in 2020, joined DPVA as our new Deputy Communications Director. He’ll be focused on all things to do with the governor’s race, which is already attracting national attention.
On January 13th, the 2021 legislative session began. And Democrats are already making important change.
Democrats have wasted no time this legislative session getting important work done for Virginia. Legislation to expand the right to vote, protect the right to choose, end the death penalty, fight the COVID pandemic, and more is already making its way through the General Assembly.
Another piece of good news from January: Jaime Harrison was officially named the new Chairman of the DNC. He formally started his new position on January 22nd.
We’re excited to be holding an event with him and DLCC President Jessica Post next week to discuss the plan to keep Virginia blue in our statewide and House of Delegates elections this year. Click here to buy tickets!
DPVA staff participated in a national day of service
On January 18, the Biden inaugural committee launched a national day of community service to bring people together even though they couldn’t gather in D.C. for the inauguration. While Richmond was locked down that day, our staff got together a week later to work with the City of Richmond on a James River Park cleanup.
Commemorating Black History Month
Every day for the month of February, we’ll be celebrating Black Virginians who shaped the path of our Commonwealth and country. Follow along on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
