VA Demo Memo: Thank you for an incredible 2018!
2018 was an incredible year for Virginia Democrats! Scroll down to see some of the highlights and accomplishments over the last 12 months.
We thanked Governor Terence R. McAuliffe for his dynamic leadership that strengthened our Commonwealth and our Party
When I think about Terry McAuliffe’s term as Governor of Virginia, there are so many things I could mention.
Like the fact that he slept a total of 18 minutes in his four years in office.
Or the fact that he managed to singlehandedly resurrect Virginia’s craft beer industry one kegerator at a time.
But instead I’d rather mention the one thing that to me, to all of us, that is the connective thread that defines this man and his legacy — good governing makes good politics.
— Chairwoman Susan Swecker
Click here to read the full statement.
Governor Ralph Northam was inaugurated
The guiding principle of this administration will be simple: We will work together to make our commonwealth work better for all Virginians, no matter who they are or where they’re from.
We cannot rest until every family and every community has the same access to opportunity that others do.
Here are my personal commitments to you.
I will always tell the truth.
I will strive every day to maintain the trust you placed in me on Election Day.
I will always put Virginia’s interests first.
I will work with anyone whose policies help Virginia. And when they do not, I will oppose them.
I will visit every city and county while I’m governor, and every public college and university.
I will continue to personally care for patients at RAM, Virginia’s Remote Area Medical clinic — and keep pushing to cover more and more Virginians.
I will be there personally to welcome Virginia National Guardsmen and women when they return home from overseas.
And my door will always be open to you.
- Governor Ralph Northam
To read Governor Northam’s full inaugural address, click here.
Medicaid Expansion was passed, giving 400,000 Virginians access to healthcare
Poised to make history, Justin Fairfax got a powerful reminder of his own heritage
…Fairfax learned that state senators planned to adjourn that day’s session in memory of Robert E. Lee. As state Sen. Richard Stuart (R-Stafford) declared that Lee’s legacy “has fallen victim to . . . a contemporary rewriting of history” and that the general “did not go to war to preserve slavery,” Fairfax sat off to the side in quiet protest.
In his pocket was the document that released his great-great-great grandfather from bondage.
“I was just reminding myself of that journey,” Fairfax said later, gathering his papers from the dais. Simon Fairfax could never have envisioned setting foot on that ground, let alone presiding over the Senate of Virginia. “I was reminding myself what our ancestors had to go through to get to a point like we’re having now . . . We can make progress if we keep our eyes on the future.”
Senator Mark Warner is leading the investigation into Russian interference
On January 6, 2017, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) issued a report by directors of America’s leading intelligence agencies examining Russian activities in the 2016 election. One of their key conclusions was that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign with the goals of undermining public faith in the U.S. democratic process, harming the candidacy and weakening the potential presidency of Hillary Clinton, and boosting the candidacy of his preferred candidate Donald Trump.
Interference in America’s democracy and our electoral process by any outside power is unacceptable. Following the election, many Americans still have questions about the extent of Russian interference, including whether any individuals connected with the Trump campaign may have been involved with Russian efforts to sway the election.
As Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on intelligence, Senator Warner is leading, along with Committee Chairman Richard Burr of North Carolina, the Senate’s bipartisan investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. He has said repeatedly that this is the most serious undertaking of his public life.
Click the headline to continue reading on the investigation.
The first Blue Commonwealth Gala
1,400 fired up Virginia Democrats! A beautiful new venue! Moving speeches from our Democratic leaders, and an inspiring keynote from Senator Cory Booker! Don’t miss it in 2019.
Attorney General Mark Herring protected and stood up for Virginians with multiple lawsuits this year
Legislation to protect Virginians from hate crimes and white supremacist violence
Block Trump administrations attempt to undermine Affordable Care Act
Challenging Trump administration family separation policy
Block Trump administration from undermining 2020 census
Stop illegal rollback of net neutrality
The first Steering Retreat
The 2018 Steering Retreat at the historic Moton Museum in Farmville was a huge success. Over the course of a day and a half in August, Steering members came together to organize on how to better elect Democrats and make an impact across the Commonwealth. Thank you to our Steering Committee members for your time and effort in making this retreat a huge success.
The Second Annual ‘Pat Jennings Training’
For a second year in a row, the DPVA partnered with the National Democratic Training Committee in executing a day-long training.
“We were thrilled to welcome so many participants to this year’s Pat Jennings Project training for local candidates at George Mason University,” said Chairwoman Susan Swecker. “The Pat Jennings Project signifies our commitment to Democrats who seek to serve at the local level — from school boards, to town and city councils, to constitutional officers. By investing in candidates running in local races, we are investing in the future and well-being of our Party and our Commonwealth.”
The creation of DPVA’s Mission First
The Democratic Party of Virginia launched Mission First , an organizing program to mobilize veterans and military families in a number of competitive congressional districts across the commonwealth. Mission First is driven by the conviction that Virginia’s veterans and military families deserve better.
The creation of the True Blue Podcast
DPVA Chair Susan Swecker’s story in the Roanoke Times of her battle with cancer and why health care is not a political issue, it’s personal.
“My life would have been over if my employer at the time had not given me access to the healthcare I needed. And that is why, after my dance with death, I have volunteered my time as chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, to fight for the Affordable Care Act so that folks have access to the same life-saving care I did.” -Susan Swecker
President Obama and Vice President Biden visited the campaign trail
The Re-Election of Senator Tim Kaine, Congressman Bobby Scott, Congressman Gerry Connolly, Congressman Don Beyer, and Congressman Donald McEachin
“Tonight, Senator Tim Kaine and Congressmen Bobby Scott, Gerry Connolly, Don Beyer and Don McEachin were rehired by the voters of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Senator Kaine, Congressman Scott, Congressman Connolly, Congressman Beyer and Congressman McEachin represent the best in public service. They care deeply about their constituents, listen to what matters to them most and fight like hell for them in Washington. They all richly deserve their re-election this evening.” — Chairwoman Susan Swecker
The Election of Three New Congresswomen:
Congresswoman-Elect Jennifer Wexton
“Change has come to Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. After nearly 40 years of Republican control, we could not be more pleased that Congresswoman-Elect Jennifer Wexton will be representing VA-10 come January. Congresswoman-Elect Wexton’s long history of public service, deep roots in the district and commitment to essential causes from increased healthcare to improving Virginia’s infrastructure will serve the people of Northern Virginia well. The DPVA deeply appreciates the many people who helped make this happen.” -Chairwoman Susan Swecker
Congresswoman-Elect Abigail Spanberger
“Congresswoman-Elect Abigail Spanberger ran one of the best campaigns in modern Virginia history. She travelled every inch of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District and gave her new constituents something to vote FOR, not just against. Congresswoman-Elect Spanberger’s deep national security background and commanding presence will make an immediate impact in the United States House of Representatives. A hearty thank you to everyone that contributed to this historic win.” -Chairwoman Susan Swecker
Abigail Spanberger is my name!
Congresswoman-Elect Elaine Luria
“Tonight, the people of Hampton Roads won. Congresswoman-Elect Elaine Luria worked hard, relentlessly stuck to the issues and prevailed in a hard-fought race with Congressman Taylor. Congresswoman-Elect Luria will do in Congress what she did during her 20 years in the Navy — she will serve our country, she will do what is right, and she will make us proud with her relentless hardwork. Congratulations to the Congresswoman-Elect and everyone that made this incredible victory possible.” -Chairwoman Susan Swecker
Amazon is coming to Virginia
Virginia is #4 on Forbes magazine’s Best States for Business
“Virginia has a widely diverse economy that includes local and federal government, military, farming and manufacturing,” Forbes said. “The state scored a big win in 2018 when e-commerce giant Amazon announced plans to locate one of its new headquarters in Arlington County.”
New House Caucus Leader
The Virginia House Democrats elected Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (HD-41) as Democratic House Caucus leader, succeeding Delegate David Toscano. Congratulations Delegate Filler-Corn!
I am incredibly honored to serve as Leader of the House Democratic Caucus beginning January 1st. I truly want to thank my colleagues for their confidence in me. Thank you as well to Delegate Charniele Herring, Delegate Sam Rasoul, Delegate Rip Sullivan and Delegate Marcus B. Simon for also stepping up to run. I look forward to their continued collaboration towards our success. I want to also thank our current Leader, Delegate David J. Toscano for his years of hard work, efforts, time and energy on behalf of our Caucus!
I know first hand the value of strong Democratic leadership and constituent service. I have been fortunate to serve in the House throughout our entire struggle to pass Medicaid expansion and with the addition of our tremendous freshman class, we finally achieved it this year. I truly believe that what we do in the General Assembly matters to every Virginian. I am committed to standing up for good, common sense legislation which improves lives across the Commonwealth.
I am truly humbled by our Caucus’ support and trust in me. I am looking forward to supporting and passing legislation which represents our core Democratic principles this session and moving on to great success in November 2019.
-Delegate Filler-Corn
Re-Launch of the DPVA Webstore
Our Congresswomen-Elect are looking forward to taking office in January!
Upcoming Events
To get your event added to the DPVA website and the newsletter, email digital@vademocrats.org with event details!
12/20: Montgomery County Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting
12/20: Pre-Session Town Hall with Delegate Boysko and Delegate Delaney
1/5/19: Pre-Session Discussion and Meet-and-Greet with Dr. Dawn Adams hosted by LGBT Democrats
1/8/19: Election Day for SD-33!
