3 November 2021, Richmond, Virginia – Alonzo Washington, CASA in Action executive director, issued the following statement in response to the Virginia elections.
“While we are not happy with the outcome from the results at the top of the ticket, we are proud of the work invested in electing a progressive group of delegates. A special congratulations to Candi King, Elizabeth Guzman, Briana Sewell, Luke Torian, and Michelle Maldonado. From drivers’ cards for all, growing minimum wage, increased resources for ESL language instruction in schools, and tuition equity for families, these candidates will champion the priorities that most affect communities of color.
“We have to recognize that Virginia’s Republican Party did not fall to the symptoms of the larger illness that affects the party at the national level. Whereas Trump and others are defined by their xenophobia, Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin avoided attacks on immigrant communities. At the top of the ticket, Republicans ran an immigrant who will serve as the first Black lieutenant governor, as well as a Cuban American, the first Latino as attorney general. Though they might be conservative and differ from us on policy, we must acknowledge that the Virginia GOP engaged immigrant communities. Others running for office should learn the lesson from Virginia by rejecting anti-immigrant narratives.”
With more than 69,000 in-person voter engagements, CASA in Action endorsed and successfully fought for the election of Candi King for House District 2, Elizabeth Guzman for House District 31, Michelle Maldonado for House District 50, Briana Sewell for House District 51, and Luke Torian for House District 52.
###
With more than 122,000+ lifetime members, CASA in Action is the national electoral organization fighting for immigrant rights. For more information, please visit CASAinAction.org. Follow us at @CASAinAction.