Per the WaPo, Del. Elizabeth Guzman has officially decided to seek the VA07 Democratic nomination, arguing “You have to fight for legislation that improves the lives of all of your constituents, and I think that’s where I’ve been one of the most effective legislators in Richmond.”
Guzman’s announcement, which was widely expected (Guzman had been telling local Democratic committees for the past week or two that she’s running) follows the decision by Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA07) to run for governor of Virginia instead of reelection to the U.S. House next year. Del. Guzman, who was first elected to the House of Delegates in November 2017, ran for the Democratic nomination for State Senate against Jeremy McPike earlier this year, VERY narrowly losing the primary by a 50.2%-49.8% vote. Now, Guzman joins several other Democrats in seeking the VA07 nomination. Also note that Sen. McPike announced yesterday he will NOT be running for VA07, but instead will stay put in the State Senate. With that decision, the VA07 Democratic nominating contest right now includes the following declared and likely candidates:
May the best (in terms of qualifications, ideas, policies and of course electability in this “purple” district) candidate win!
UPDATED 12:40 pm: See below for a video (in which she declares, “I stand strong for our Democratic and progressive principles. I stand for delivering for marginalized and vulnerable communities.”) and an email from Elizabeth Guzman’s campaign.
Friend,
Today, I am announcing my candidacy for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, and I wanted you to be the first to hear it and to hear it from me.
With the rising costs of groceries, healthcare and housing and the fact that our wages haven’t kept pace with the general cost of living, we need our next Congressperson to understand these daily struggles. As a working mom who worked multiple jobs to put food on the table, I know these struggles intimately – I’ve lived them.
I’m running for Congress to put you first and make sure we have someone representing us who can speak to the daily challenges facing everyday Americans in this tumultuous time and carry on the incredible work that Congresswoman Spanberger has done for us here in the 7th.
I came to America more than two decades ago as a young single mother with just $300 in my pocket. I worked three minimum wage jobs in order to afford a one-bedroom apartment for me and my daughter. I eventually put myself through Northern Virginia Community College and later earned two master’s degrees, building a career as a social worker who protected children from abuse and helped individuals facing mental health challenges.
Since I was elected to the General Assembly, I have championed a woman’s right to choose, worker’s rights and a living wage, increased access to affordable healthcare, and protecting our environment. I introduced over a hundred bills and passed monumental legislation benefiting everyday Virginians. I want to take my experience as an effective legislator in Richmond and bring it to Washington.
We need effective and experienced leaders representing us in Congress. We need someone who will steadfastly represent our Democratic values and who will always put their constituents first. We need a fighter for everyday Virginians and that’s why I am running for Congress: to fight for you.
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