Interesting…see below for a press release from Dumfries Councilwoman Cydny A. Neville on her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in solid-blue HD52. This district has been represented by Del. Luke Torian (D) since 2010, and he is running for reelection, so this is a primary challenge.
Dumfries Councilwoman Cydny A. Neville Announces Candidacy for House of Delegates
Dumfries, Virginia – Dumfries Councilwoman Cydny A. Neville formally announced that she will seek the Democratic nomination for the 52nd House of Delegates district today. Neville is a Virginia native and longtime resident of Prince William County. She has served on the Dumfries Town Council since 2018.
“To get the change we want to see, it has to come from us. As an educator, I’ve been extremely concerned about the inadequate support teachers, essential employees, and frontline workers have received during the pandemic,” Neville said. “My experience puts me in the unique position to understand the changes we need and I’m ready to be the one of us that steps forward to help deliver it. ”
Neville was born and raised in Alexandria, Va. She is a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and Virginia State University. As a member of the Dumfries town council, she has championed legislation to update the town’s nondiscrimination policy to include protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation. She stands for environmental issues and has championed the local town policies that equitably support underserved communities.
An educator for many years, Neville’s leadership style puts the needs of students and families first with a focus on strengthening Virginia’s support systems for those living in poverty. When asked about transitioning from an educator to a legislator Neville said:
“Two sheroes who are important to me are Yvonne B. Miller and Maggie L. Walker. Miller broke the proverbial glass ceiling in the Commonwealth of Virginia when she was elected to the General Assembly as a delegate and later as a senator – she was a public school teacher. She was also a lifelong staunch supporter of all things education, like Maggie L. Walker, who was the first Black woman to run for office as Secretary of Education. I am proud to call both Miller and Walker my sorority sisters, to follow in their footsteps and to continue their legacy.”
For two decades Neville has developed, managed and maintained community engagement by enhancing programming for area nonprofits, establishing community partnerships and improving local government outreach efforts. She has received a number of recognitions for her service to community, including but not limited to:
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- 2014 – Prince William County Human Rights Honoree
- 2017 – Outstanding Adult Volunteer of the Year from the Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards program
- 2018 – The first “Real Good People” award honoree from radio station WPGC 95.5
Neville is also a published author. She is CEO and founder of the Virginia Black Lifestyle Magazine (VBLM), a digital medium created particularly for Black citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia that features lifestyle content celebrating Black culture. She also wrote the book, “Baby, You Are Loved,” the first installment in a children’s series designed for co-parenting families.
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