During a virtual kick-off on Wednesday, Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy (D-Woodbidge) officially launched her campaign to become the first Black woman elected governor of any state in the United States.

Carroll Foy was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2017. In March, 2020, she filed paperwork for her gubernatorial run, and prior to the pandemic, she had scheduled a post-legislative session event where she was expected to make the announcement of her gubernatorial candidacy. The event was first postponed due to the extension of the legislative session and later cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis.

“This race will not be easy,” Carroll Foy told supporters at her virtual campaign kick-off. “I understand that some people say ‘you haven’t been in Richmond that long’, and my response to those people is that I’ve been in Richmond long enough to know it’s not working.”

“@JCarrollFoy is exactly the leader with fresh ideas that we need. She listens to and works with everyone, and as a result, she’s effective and isn’t afraid to stand up to anyone as she fights for what’s right. I couldn’t be happier to support her!” Tweeted Delegate Joshua Cole, one of the first people to endorse Carroll Foy. 

.@JCarrollFoy is exactly the leader with fresh ideas that we need. She listens to and works with everyone, and as a result, she's effective and isn't afraid to stand up to anyone as she fights for what's right. I couldn’t be happier to support her! 1/2 pic.twitter.com/uequoh6Sm6

— Delegate Joshua G. Cole (@JoshuaCole) May 27, 2020

Carroll Foy’s platform is based around economic and healthcare equality, protecting the environment, and responding COVID-19 in a way that benefits everyone.

“Jennifer Carroll Foy speaks with authority on issues facing working class Virginians because she has lived it and I do not think that any Virginia politico should discount the importance of that lived experience in this particular moment” said Benjamin M. Litchfield, Chairman of the Stafford County Democratic Committee. “In a political environment that seems to cater more and more to the wealthy, moneyed interests in Richmond and Washington, Jennifer has been a champion for working people and their families,” 

During her time in the General Assembly, Carroll Foy has focused on combatting discrimination, fighting for women’s reproductive rights, advocating for pro-labor legislation, and fighting for the environment.

“I think [Carroll Foy’s] determination and compassion for ordinary folks make her a formidable candidate for Virginia Governor in 2021,” Litchfield noted.

Foy is one of the first candidates to officially launch her campaign in what will likely be a crowded Democratic Primary. Attorney General Mark Herring and Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax have both declared their intentions to run for governor next year. Additionally, Former Governor Terry McAuliffe has humored the idea that he may run for the position again. McAuliffe Served as governor between 2013 and 2017 but was forced to step down due to the fact that the Governor of Virginia cannot serve two consecutive terms. Other possible and probable candidates include State Senator Jennifer McClellan, Richmond’s Mayor Levar Stoney, and Norfolk’s Mayor Kenny Alexander.

If Carroll Foy wins the gubernatorial election, she will be the first Black woman to serve as a governor in the United States and the second Black Governor of Virginia. She would also be the first woman to be Governor of Virginia. The same is true for McClellan.

State Senator Amanda Chase is the only Republican who has declared an intention to run in the gubernatorial election.