From Virginians for Fair Elections (the YES campaign):
ICYMI: Roland Martin Hosts Vote YES Livestream Featuring Leader Jeffries, Senators Warner and Kaine, Speaker Scott, Rep. McClellan, more
Richmond, Va. — Last night, The Roland Martin Show hosted a live Vote YES townhall at Virginia State University, bringing together national and state leaders to talk about what’s at stake ahead of Super Saturday and the April 21 referendum.
The event, livestreamed to audiences across the country, featured Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, Speaker Don Scott, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, and other leaders in the General Assembly.
Host Roland Martin laid out the stakes of the upcoming election, “Vote because Trump called Texas and said, ‘I need four or five seats, get them for me,’ and they did it.” He emphasized the need for accountability stating, “At the end of the day, it’s not a group of legislators that decide this in the back. It’s you.”
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries headlined the event, underscoring that control of Congress and the stakes of the Virginia referendum carry national consequences. “We believe it’s the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the people of this country who should decide who is in the majority as a result of what happens in the midterm elections.” He added that accountability depends on congressional power, noting, “Republicans have been in charge. They don’t want hearings. They don’t want subpoenas,” and argued that “if Democrats control the House or Senate, they can hold this administration to account.” The Leader remarked that the “best chance for us to reverse it is to make sure there are free and fair elections in November, and voting yes on this referendum will ensure that that’s what takes place.”
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine reminded voters how dangerous the MAGA agenda has become. “People have said to me, so North Carolina did something, why should Virginia? North Carolina did something and the result is Virginians lose Medicaid benefits … lose SNAP benefits. Our people are getting punched, and you can’t just stand around and do nothing.”
U.S. Senator Mark Warner focused on the stakes of the election — and the implications for Virginians.. “It all starts in Virginia. We are ground zero on this redistricting battle. We must leave no doubt at the ballot box. We must overwhelm the ballot box so they understand what’s going on. Warner went on to say “the attacks are very clear—in every area. It’s impacting all Americans, but especially African Americans: academics, business, health, science, civil rights, nonprofits, small businesses—every single sector.
Speaker of the Virginia House Don Scott spoke to the weight of the moment. “Virginia just taught the nation how to vote and how to win. We know how to win elections. We cannot play around. This is not the time.” Speaker Scott also spoke to the power Black Virginians hold over Donald Trump. “We’re the most feared part of the electorate in the world right now … They know that our power is so strong when we unite. We get to have a voice in every part of this country.”
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan reminded the audience what Virginians now face: “This is the biggest backlash to progress since Reconstruction.” She also criticized MAGA political tactics saying, “They lie, they cheat, they steal, they do whatever they need to do to win. But we are fighting back, and they don’t like it.”
With just 11 days to go, the message was straightforward: Virginians have a chance to make their voices heard, and this election represents a critical moment to show up and vote.
For more information, visit www.
virginiansforfairelections.com . ###
About Virginians for Fair Elections
VAFE is the YES campaign mobilizing Virginians to stop Trump’s power grab and level the playing field in the 2026 midterm elections.
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Also, check out this video of former Attorney General Eric Holder speaking with “Amanda’s Mild Takes” on the importance of Virginians voting YES.
