Home 2019 Elections In Our Entire History, Virginia Has Had Only One Democratic Woman —...

In Our Entire History, Virginia Has Had Only One Democratic Woman — for Just One 2-Year Term — in Congress. Time to Change That!

This year, we have a chance to elect SIX women to Congress from Virginia: Jennifer Wexton, Elaine Luria, Abigail Spanberger, Leslie Cockburn, Jennifer Lewis, Vangie Williams.

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lowkell
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It’s hard to believe – not to mention embarrassing! – but in Virginia’s entire history, we’ve only had four women in Congress – three Republicans (Thelma Drake from January 2005 to January 2009, Jo Ann Davis from January 2001 to October 2007, Barbara Comstock from January 2015 to present) and only one Democrat (Leslie Byrne from January 1993-January 1995)!

That’s right: in the entire history of our Commonwealth, we’ve only had one Democratic woman representing Virginia in Congress, and only for one term! That needs to change starting in November 2018.

Fortunately, Virginia Democrats have nominated women for Congress this year in six – count’em! – districts: VA-01 (Vangie Williams; see press release below about her endorsement by the National Women’s Political Caucus, and also her note that to date, not a single woman of color has ever been elected to Congress from Virginia); VA-02 (Elaine Luria); VA-05 (Leslie Cockburn); VA-06 (Jennifer Lewis); VA-07 (Abigail Spanberger); and VA-10 (Jennifer Wexton).

What this means is we have a chance to dramatically, massively change the ratio of men to women in Virginia’s Congressional delegation, while also putting a stop to our pathetic history in this regards. If we can win just the districts (VA-10, VA-02, VA-07) that are current toss-ups or leaning Democratic, we’d triple the number of Democratic women who have ever represented Virginia in Congress. If we win VA-05 as well, we’d quadruple it. You get the picture. And now, with the Supreme Court quite possibly setting up for a far-right configuration that will move to roll back a woman’s right to control her own body, having women in Congress is more important than ever! So let’s make damn sure that we elect as many women as possible this November – no excuses for sulking or staying home at this critical moment in our nation’s history.

National Women’s Political Caucus Endorses Vangie Williams
KING GEORGE, VA – Today, the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) endorsed Democratic candidate Vangie Williams for Virginia’s 1st Congressional District. The NWPC is a grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process.

In a letter to Williams, NWPC President Donna Lent and Paula Owen Willmarth, VP of Political Planning and Appointments, write:

“The National Women’s Political Caucus enthusiastically endorses your candidacy to represent Virginia’s 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives. With your impressive experience and tenacity, we are confident that you will be an important voice for women’s rights in Congress.

“We are committed to helping you achieve victory in your campaign.”

“I am honored to receive the support of an organization that supports women running for office,” said Williams. “Many still view women as political outsiders, but I am encouraged by the National Women’s Political Caucus’ belief that I am a leader that can make change on Capitol Hill.”

“We need organizations like the NWPC to inspire more qualified women to run for political office,” Williams added. “I look forward to working with them to increase opportunities for women in politics and ensure issues impacting women and girls are represented at the table.”

Virginia has only elected four women to Congress. None have been a woman of color. The 2018 midterm election marks a pivotal moment in Virginia’s history as six women are running for U.S. House of Representatives. Williams would be the first woman of color to represent the Commonwealth on Capitol Hill with a victory in November.

The NWPC adds to the growing list of national organizations, elected officials and community leaders backing Williams’ campaign. Williams is running against Republican Congressman Rep. Rob Wittman.

 

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