WASHINGTON — Virginia Democrats have unmistakable momentum as they prepare to defend their House of Delegates majority. After flipping six House seats red to blue in 2019, Democrats were able to win control of the General Assembly for the first time in a generation, ushering in a new era of progress for Virginians. With a strong primary, Democrats are fired up and united to defend the majority and keep working for Virginia families.
“As a Virginia voter myself, I couldn’t be prouder of the progress our incredible Democratic delegates have made over the past few years — but we’re just getting started,” said Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Jessica Post. “Defending this majority is our number one priority this year, and we’re not taking anything for granted.”
After a successful first quarter, Virginia Democrats continue to post strong fundraising numbers, vastly outpacing Republicans. In pre-primary reports, Democratic candidates reported raising more than $16 million, more than two times the reported $7 million from the Republican side. This success demonstrates the momentum that Democrats are bringing into the general election.
Under the historic leadership of Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, Virginia House Delegates have enacted critical legislation that Republicans had blocked for years. This includes safeguarding the right to vote with early and no-excuse absentee voting and a state-level voting rights act, transforming the commonwealth into a national voting rights leader amidst antidemocratic attacks from the GOP. Virginia Democrats also made historic progress on LGBTQ equality and criminal justice reform over the past two years.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats secured more housing and food relief for Virginians, and provided millions of additional dollars in funding for small businesses. They also increased teacher salaries, fought to safely reopen schools and significantly expanded child care assistance.
Maintaining the Democratic majority in the House of Delegates will be crucial to safeguarding this progress and stopping far-right extremists in the Virginia GOP from turning back the clock. Defending this chamber is the DLCC’s top priority this year.
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