Running for office isn’t easy. I knew that when I put my hat in the ring a few months ago to run for the House of Delegates, and I’m reminded again every time I sit down to make fundraising calls or head down the street canvassing. But there are moments that make it all worth it.
I held an informal meet and greet this morning at a coffee shop near my house this morning. It wasn’t a huge event, I just sent out the word by email and Facebook post that I would be there for a couple hours if anyone wanted to stop by and talk. We ended up with more than a dozen folks - some of whom stayed for just a few minutes, others the entire time. Conversation ranged from the environment to public education to strategies for rebuilding economically depressed neighborhoods.
To me, this is exactly how local politics should work. People sitting around on the front porch, in the living room, or at a coffee shop talking about the issues that matter. We didn’t just complain either, we found solutions and began planning how to organize and achieve them. It was so gratifying to have so many people come out to engage with the democratic process.
I know many of you are fired up and looking for ways to take action. If your local officials aren’t giving you the right representation, I would really encourage you to seriously consider running. I’ve found it to be an amazing way to both connect with and give back to your community.
This campaign is about people and I want to reach every like-minded Democrat in my district. To do that we need help from folks like you. If you want to be a part of the resistance in Virginia, please donate today. I am committed to being a voice for working families in the Virginia General Assembly.