'The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.'
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Virginia’s elections this year are particularly exciting. Not only do we have a freshly de-gerrymandered district map, that map has also created a record number of open seats, drawing outstanding new candidates into the field.
Karen Keys-Gamarra for VA HD-7 — Go, KKG!
In VA HD-7, that outstanding new candidate is Karen Keys-Gamarra. As a lawyer, mother, and an at-large member of the Fairfax County School Board, she has dedicated herself to improving the health, safety, and educational opportunities available to the children of Fairfax County.
As a court-appointed attorney, Karen has represented and advocated for some of the most vulnerable children in our society — children who have suffered abuse and neglect, or whose parents may be absent or incarcerated. After her sons were born, she became a Guardian ad litem, standing up for children who all too often had no one else to speak for them. She has worked with numerous organizations to combat domestic violence and has fought tirelessly to ensure that every child has access to a safe, enriching, well-rounded education.
That passion shows in her accomplishments. In her two terms on the Fairfax County School Board, Karen has:
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Successfully advocated for the establishment of the John R. Lewis Leadership program.
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Worked to address discipline disparities.
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Spearheaded changes to the Child Abuse Reporting Policy to better recognize mandatory reporting requirements.
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Worked with community members and military ombudsman to better serve military-connected students.
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Advocated for a military family Advisory Committee championing programs and initiatives to support the mental health and emotional well-being of all students.
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Proposed Board Study of Advanced Academics and Language Immersion programs.
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Expanded anti-bullying efforts.
The newly-redrawn Virginia House of Delegates District 7
Her advocacy for children and her work on the Fairfax County school board have garnered her numerous endorsements, including Phyllis J. Randall, Chair of the Loudon County Board of Supervisors, and state Senator David Marsden. Previous endorsements for her 2019 school board campaign include the Fairfax Education Association, Fairfax County Federation of Teachers, U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly, and Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.
Karen is a seasoned candidate who knows her district intimately, has already won two county-wide elections, and is more than ready to bring her passion and her extensive experience to Richmond as Delegate for District 7.
Please visit her website, donate via ActBlue, and most of all VOTE for Karen Keys-Gamarra in the primary on June 20th, 2023!!
Karen Keys-Gamarra for Virginia HD-7
