WASHINGTON — Today, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee hosted a Zoom press conference to provide updates on early voting for the Virginia legislative elections featuring Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Interim President Heather Williams, TargetSmart Senior Advisor, Tom Bonier, and candidates in must-win races for the Virginia Senate, Del. Danica Roem, and Sen. Monty Mason. Three weeks of early voting data are in, and Democrats are in the lead, but data indicates the races will be close until the last ballot is cast. In short, these elections are not a given and Democrats need to run through the finish line.
The DLCC has prepared for a tough competition, investing all year to put Democrats in a position to defend the fundamental freedoms that are on the line. There are toss-up districts all across the state that will determine the direction of Virginia’s future and we are focused on competing right up until the polls close.
To watch the full press conference click here
DLCC Interim President Heather Williams:
“The data shows we’re in a good position but it’s far too early for either side to declare victory and it’s very close. We’re encouraging all of our Democratic voters to continue to vote early, return mail-in ballots, and make sure that they’re getting their friends and family to vote as well. We plan on continuing to invest in these races, make sure our people are getting out to vote, and counter the lies and distortions coming from Gov. Youngkin and his team on the side.”
TargetSmart Senior Advisor Tom Bonier:
“Everything we are seeing in the early vote is consistent with a very close election in both chambers […] The stakes of these elections couldn’t be any higher.”
“When you look at Democratic turnout in these key districts, Democrats are matching if not exceeding their raw turnout levels in both 2022 and 2021.”
Del. Danica Roem:
“I’m running on my record of deliverables. You show me a Democratic majority in the state Senate and House of Delegates, I will show you a state budget that includes universal free school meals for all kids in Virginia no matter where they live, period.”
Sen. Monty Mason:
“I have had a 50-50 seat since the day it was drawn, and we have been running it as a 50-50 seat up to this very moment […] We’re in a good position, we believe we’re on the right side of history on these critical and monumental issues, and we’ll continue to promote our record.”
This election is the first time Virginians are voting for a full state legislature since Roe was overturned as well as their first time voting on new district lines. The outcome of this election will not only determine Virginia’s direction but the future of fundamental freedoms that Virginians hold dear. Democratic majorities are the best line of defense against Republican extremism and the DLCC is calling for all hands on deck to push Democrats to the finish line.
The DLCC is the official Democratic Party committee dedicated to winning America’s state legislatures. Last year, the DLCC defied the odds by not losing any state legislative majorities, flipping four key chambers, and creating four new Democratic trifectas – the best midterm year for the party in power since at least 1934. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and pass the policies that have the biggest impact on Americans’ day-to-day lives.
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