WASHINGTON — Democratic Delegate-elect Michelle Maldonado won a critical race for an open seat in Virginia HD-50. This win is a direct repudiation of the extreme politics of not only her opponent but the entire Virginia GOP in a district Republicans held for decades until its flip in 2017. Maldonado understands the issues that matter to her community and will be a tireless advocate for those she represents.
“From supporting livable wages to expanding transit options, Michelle Maldonado won over voters in this tight race by supporting the issues that matter most to her community,” said Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Jessica Post. “Her opponent directly embraced the radical politics of the fringe of the Virginia GOP and voters clearly rejected him at the polls. Michelle Maldonado will be a staunch advocate for her district in Richmond.”
The DLCC and its affiliated groups invested in Virginia to support candidates like Delegate-elect Michelle Maldonado and provided critical political guidance, strategic planning, data analysis, and messaging support — all of which proved to be successful with the Democratic victory in this race.
Michelle Maldonado is a small business owner and former attorney who has the skills needed to care and work for others. With a focus on collaboration, Michelle is ready to help support, protect and grow her community. She defeated Steve Pleickhardt, who cited former president Donald Trump as his inspiration to run for office and advocated against gun violence prevention measures and abortion rights.
The commonwealth has become a model for passing progressive legislation including making child care more affordable for working families, strengthening voting rights, passing sweeping criminal justice reform measures, creating tuition-free community college programs, raising the minimum wage, ending surprise medical billing, banning LGBTQ discrimination, providing eviction and utility aid, and making Virginia the “Top State for Business” while strengthening workers’ pay, benefits, and working condition.
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