On Monday, Oct. 5th, Elizabeth Guzman (D-31) opened a historic campaign for Lieutenant Governor. If elected, she would be the first woman and first Latinx to serve as Lietenant Governor. In 2017, Guzman made history when she was elected to the House of Delegates and became the first Latina immigrant to serve in the Virginia General Assembly.

In a press release by spokeswoman Katie Baker, Guzman shares, “I’m running for Lieutenant Governor because the Senate needs more progressive voices.” She goes on to explain how vital it is to improve working conditions, especially for the Black and Brown communities and those in essential services.

For those unfamiliar with Guzman, she is a social worker and public administrator with two master’s degrees as well as a 17-year career in human services. Currently, she is a union member and division chief for the City of Alexandria’s Center for Adult Services where she assists vulnerable populations. Previously, Guzman worked in Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County Office for Children.

During this election season, she was the co-chair of Senator Bernie Sanders’ campaign in Virginia and now serves on Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Biden’s National Latino Leadership Council.

When asked more about her plans to serve as Lt. Governor, Guzman says, “I see the role of lieutenant governor as a promotion for a successful legislator, and I will make my case to voters that I have earned that promotion.”

So far, St. House Representative Hala Ayala (D-51st district), Former chairman of Virginia’s Democratic party, Paul Goldman (D), City Council Member Adria Padgett McClellan (D- Norfolk, VA) have confirmed their campaigns for Lt. Governor.