The redistricting in locales across the commonwealth has provided candidates an opportunity to enter races that were once thought impossible. Now, Delegate Elizabeth Guzman (D-31st) has announced she will run for the new 29th District Senate race. She spoke with the PW Perspective about why she is taking on this opportunity.

“I’m running for senate because I’m proud to fight for Democratic values in the House, and ready to do it again on a greater level,” she said.

One of her greatest accomplishments is being a voice for collective bargaining, leading to ordinances being passed in both the Prince William County school board and the Board of County Supervisors. “I have led the fight for worker’s rights, and will continue to do so for Virginia’s educators, firefighters, and all other workers throughout the state.”

“They left behind workers,” she continued,” and when we have the opportunity to do something, we progressively brought change. It’s why I am running.”

Representation is of the utmost importance to Guzman, and she believes that as Senator, she’ll be able to make a difference, especially given the 29th is now a minority-majority district. “All the areas in my previous district is in Prince William County, so I know the area very well and the constituents know what I will do.”

Guzman has championed several legislative victories in her six years as delegate, from supporting worker’s rights, paid sick leave, and most recently, getting a law signed that will reduce the state tax burden on military retirement income for veterans 55 or older. She has also made a priority to address issues within the Latino community, as she hosted a town hall in June at Fred Lynn Middle School to hear and address their concerns.

“There’s so much to do, and we will continue to press for affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and helping those who were incarcerated get a second chance.”

She also addressed dealing with the rise in gun violence throughout the county. “We need to have conversations with students in schools, and people in the communities a safe space to solve the problem. Also, we need to place more resources in these areas, and work together to close the loopholes in these laws that make it easier to own assault weapons.”

Already, she has received several endorsements from community leaders and elected officials.

“I’ve had the honor to work with Elizabeth ever since I got into office and she has been a tireless, relentless advocate for communities throughout Virginia and especially right here in Dumfries,” said Dumfries Town Councilwoman Selonia Miles. “She’s stood up for workers, families, and the disability community and I know she will continue to bring an energy that we so desperately need to the Senate. I am proud to support her candidacy.”

“Every worker should have the freedom to join a union and bargain collectively, and our sister Elizabeth Guzman passed a historic law to give Virginia’s teachers, firefighters, and public service workers a seat at the table,” said Robert Hollingsworth, executive director of AFSCME District Council 20.  “Elizabeth is standing up with public service workers across Virginia while we are getting organized. We can count on her to fight for us in the Senate because she is one of us and has taken on the toughest fights to get things done. Workers need her voice in the Virginia Senate because she’s fought for them to have a voice on the job. AFSCME District Council 20 is proud to endorse her campaign in the new District 29.”

“Elizabeth Guzman was a single mom who worked three jobs to support her child and has dedicated her career to helping others as a social worker, so she understands the challenges that countless Virginia women face in today’s society,” said Lisa Sales, president of Virginia NOW and chair of the Virginia NOW PAC. “From sexual harassment to paid sick leave to raising the minimum wage, Elizabeth has championed workers’ rights issues that disproportionately impact women, who are more likely to be caregivers and to hold low-paying jobs. Representation matters. If there had been more women’s voices in the Senate, Virginia would have passed an assault weapons ban and codified Roe v. Wade while Democrats still held power. Elizabeth Guzman has taken on the toughest fights, and the Virginia NOW PAC endorses her candidacy for the new Senate District 29 with urgency and enthusiasm.”

 “Teamsters Local 639 is proud to endorse our union sister, Elizabeth Guzman for the new Senate District 29,” said President John Gibson. “Workers need more representation in government. Elizabeth Guzman will make sure our voices are heard because she is one of us and she will fight for us. She did it in the House, and she’ll do it in the Senate. Workers want fair contracts, so we can have the peace of mind that higher wages and access to paid sick leave won’t be an issue and Elizabeth gets it.”

She is thankful for the support she has received so far and reflects on what it means to her personally to take this next step.

“I will not take anything for granted,” she said. “I will now be representing constituents in Prince William and Stafford Counties, so I will be there for them, as I was in Fauquier County. I will be the senator that shows up, that will stand by legislative agendas.”

“It will be exciting to elect the first Latina in this office, and it is the best way to represent Prince William County. I am proud to be a part of such a diverse community. I will be the senator who works the hardest for them.”

She sees the candidacy as an opportunity to build a bridge between Black and Brown communities, citing her working alongside Delegate Luke Torian (D-52). “We need more representation, and as a woman of color, I believe that Black and brown communities can find their voices by working together. That has had a big impact on my work and will be going forward.”

In a recent poll conducted by Public Policy Polling, one of the questions asked was “If the Democratic candidates for State Senate in your District next time were Elizabeth Guzman and Jeremy McPike, who would you vote for?” 38 percent favored Guzman, while only eight percent favored Senator McPike.