See below for a candidacy announcement by Victor McKenzie, Jr. for House of Delegates in the new 82nd district, “which includes all of the City of Petersburg and the County of Surry and parts of the counties of Prince George and Dinwiddie.” This district is 45.8% Black, 45.1% White, and was easily won by Hillary Clinton (56%-42%), Ralph Northam (56%-43%), Tim Kaine (58.1%-40.9%), etc. However, in 2021, Glenn Youngkin eked out a win here by 2.1 points (50.6%-48.5%) over Terry McAuliffe, while Republican Kim Taylor defeated incumbent Del. Lashrecse Aird (D) by 638 votes out of 33k cast. So this seat is DEFINITELY winnable for Democrats in 2023, and we really *must* win it – period.
By the way, currently there are no other Democrats who have announced for this seat, while former Del. Aird is running for State Senate. As for Victor McKenzie, Jr., he is: “a nonprofit executive and community leader. He serves as Executive Director of a statewide organization, leading advocacy and education for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of a community action organization that serves Petersburg, Prince George County, Dinwiddie County, Hopewell and Richmond.” Impressive.
Community Leader and Addiction Recovery Advocate Victor McKenzie, Jr. Launches Campaign for House of Delegates
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PETERSBURG – Victor McKenzie, Jr., who lives with his family in Petersburg, Virginia, and who is the statewide Executive Director of the Substance Abuse & Addiction Recovery Alliance of Virginia (SAARA), today announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the Virginia House of Delegates new 82nd district which includes all of the City of Petersburg and the County of Surry and parts of the counties of Prince George and Dinwiddie.
Victor said, “I have dedicated my life to giving back and making a difference. Whether it was the Boys and Girls Club or volunteering and working at a community center to my present position running an organization that helps folks recover from opioid addiction, I remain committed to improving lives and ensuring people thrive. As the Executive Director of an organization dedicated to helping people recover from addiction, I’ve seen first hand the struggle and endurance it takes to succeed and I’ve been there to help. I will bring that commitment and perseverance to helping families in our district.
“We need communities where our families can prosper – stronger schools where every child can succeed no matter the zip code or color of their skin, better roads, and laws that protect everyone in every community. Every Virginian must have access to quality affordable health care and needs decent, safe shelter and clean water.
“We need to make sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed in a thriving economy – workforce training, job creation, and a family-sustaining wage. We need to protect family farms and small businesses – both the backbone of our economy.
“The prices of gas and food are skyrocketing. Families are struggling. We need real solutions, not band aids or political slogans.
“As your Delegate, I will be focused on helping my constituents succeed and lead productive and fulfilled lives. I’m not interested in partisan political gamesmanship or in promoting political parties. I am interested in solutions that work, and that make a difference.
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