As expected, Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg has announced his candidacy for Virginia State Senate. According to VanValkenburg, he’s announcing his run against State Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant (R) “because Henrico needs a leader who will fight for equality and women’s reproductive rights” and “we need leaders who will focus on a strong middle-class economy, affordable health care and world class schools.” SD16 is a key, winnable district for Democrats to win next year. It’s located 100% within suburban Henrico County, was won by Terry McAuliffe last year by 6 points and by Ralph Northam in 2017 by 8 points, and it’s currently represented by a right winger who voted for a 20-week abortion ban and who is a wingnut in other ways as well (e.g., on guns, healthcare, etc.). So, bottom line, Democrats need to win this seat to INCREASE our narrow (21-19) majority in the State Senate. Let’s do it!
I’m announcing my run for @VASenate because Henrico needs a leader who will fight for equality and women’s reproductive rights.
We need leaders who will focus on a strong middle-class economy, affordable health care and world class schools.
I’m all in! I hope you’ll join me! pic.twitter.com/xWPaAgivON
— Schuyler VanValkenburg (@ScVanValkenburg) November 15, 2022