FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2020
Virginia House Majority Leader Charniele Herring and 30 Top Virginia Leaders Endorse Joe Biden
In the wake of a historic win in South Carolina, thirty key Virginia state and local elected officials and party activists, including three former supporters of Mayor Pete Buttigieg, one former supporter of Senator Kamala Harris, and two former supporters of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, formally endorsed Vice President Joe Biden’s candidacy for president.
Emphasizing Joe Biden’s ability to draw the support of a diverse coalition that best reflects the face of the Democratic party and the nation, Virginia leaders discussed the need for Biden’s ability to unite the country and restore the soul of the nation.
“Watching this race unfold, it is clear to me that Joe Biden is the candidate to bring us together and lead our party to victory up and down the ballot,” said Virginia House Majority Leader and former Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia Delegate Charniele Herring. “Biden’s leadership combined with his willingness to listen and grow gives me great hope for the future.”
“Democrats fight every day to improve the lives of every American. We value justice, equality, and dignity — for all,” said Virginia Democratic Caucus Chair Rip Sullivan. “Donald Trump is waging war on these values, and we cannot afford four more years of him unravelling the fabric of our dearly held American principles,” said Virginia House Democratic Caucus Chair Delegate Rip Sullivan. “Joe Biden can and will defeat Trump. We also must protect our frontline House members while taking back the Senate this November. With Vice President Biden as our nominee, we can win these critical elections and together build a brighter future for all. He has my strong endorsement, and I look forward to working with him to support Democrats running up and down the ballot.”
“America desperately needs leadership that is squarely focused on results for working people. Joe Biden has always delivered for us — disregarding distractions, divisions, or purity tests,” said Virginia Delegate Alex Askew. “The more our party frays, the more we lose sight of who and what we’re fighting for. Joe Biden understands that we’re strongest when we’re united, because those who have been pushed to the peripheries of this nation can no longer be ignored. It’s time to stand up and remind America and the world of who we are by delivering action — it’s time to elect Joe Biden.”
“Just as President Obama did, I trust Vice President Biden to be President for all of the people,” said Virginia Delegate Don Scott. “Of the candidates remaining, I believe he is uniquely qualified to promote economic equity and prosperity, implement true criminal justice, protect working class families, and ensure that our country’s health and education systems continue to improve.”
“I don’t need promises. I need proven leadership,” said Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall. “I need someone who has a history of fighting for and passing meaningful legislation that has improved my life, the lives of my family and the people in my community. I need steady, focused, committed leadership. I believe in Joe Biden, he has earned my endorsement.”
The full list of endorsements today include:
- Virginia State Senator, Adam Ebbin, Alexandria
- Virginia State Senator, Jeremy McPike, Prince William County
- Virginia State Senator, John Edwards, Roanoke
- Virginia State Senator, Barbara Favola, Arlington County
- Delegate Charniele Herring, Alexandria, Majority Leader
- Delegate Richard “Rip” Sullivan, Arlington County, House Democratic Caucus Chair
- Delegate Don Scott, Portsmouth
- Delegate Alex Askew, Virginia Beach
- Delegate Mark Levine, Alexandria
- Delegate Martha Mugler, Hampton
- Delegate Luke Torian, Prince William County
- Delegate Dan Helmer, Fairfax County
- Phyllis Randall, Chair of Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
- Mike Turner, Member of Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
- John Foust, Member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
- Jim Holland, Member of Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors
- Tannia Talento, Member of Arlington County School Board
- Stephanie Lynch, Member of Richmond City Council
- Pamela Yeung, Member of Stafford County School Board
- Taikein Cooper, Prince Edward County Democratic Party Chair
- Praveen Meyyan, Secretary of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board
- Marc Broklawski, Virginia DNC Member
- Steven Cochran, Virginia DNC Member
- Molly Ward, Former Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources and former Mayor of Hampton
- Tiffany Boyle, Newport News Commissioner of the Revenue
- Sheila Olem, Vice Mayor of the Town of Herndon
- Former Delegate Bobby Mathieson, Virginia Beach
- Former Delegate Cheryl Turpin, Virginia Beach
- Anita James Price, Member of Roanoke City Council
- Djuna Osbourne, Member of Roanoke City Council
- Brenda Hamilton, Clerk of Court for the City of Roanoke
Today’s slate of support adds to the surge of high-profile endorsements Biden has earned from Virginia leaders in recent days, including former Governor Terry McAuliffe, Senator Tim Kaine, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, Congressman Bobby Scott, and Congressman Don Beyer. These leaders join more than 50 leaders from across the Commonwealth backing Biden, including Congressman Donald McEachin, Congresswoman Elaine Luria, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea, Virginia State Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Chair Delegate Lamont Bagby and other state legislators and local leaders.
Last November, Biden endorsed 23 local candidates in some of the most competitive districts ahead of Virginia’s General Assembly elections, helping turn both legislative chambers blue. In 2018, he also worked to elect candidates up and down the ballot in Virginia, including now-Reps. Abigail Spanberger, Jennifer Wexton, and Elaine Luria, whose wins in critical Red to Blue districts helped Democrats take back the U.S. House.
Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,400 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals. |
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