Written by Rozia A. Henson, Jr., Chair of the Woodbridge Democratic Committee

Over the past few years — Virginians have been asked to choose amongst some sharply divergent visions of what is best for our state. For years the State House and the Governor’s Mansion have been at odds on the best way to serve the people of Virginia. Currently, on the Democratic side, an essential debate is raging about the future of the party and what it must look like. When the dust is settled which vision of the party will define its future? With the temperamental Donald Trump now ousted from office, how will the party best utilize the silence left by his departure from the public eye? More importantly, who can we thrust before that gaze as the people of Virginia seek guidance as we continue to tackle this pandemic?

This week’s Gubernatorial Democratic primary debate has shown us that we benefit from a robust and diverse pool of candidates. The ideas centered in the debate underline many issues that I care about, both in my personal life and my capacity as the Woodbridge Dems Chair. I take the work I do for the people of my community very seriously and I want a Governor that will reflect the ideals that I stand for every day. Now with a unified democratic government run by more than just prevailing numbers or political maneuvers — we can utilize all of the resources at our disposal to make meaningful change. The opportunities presented by this most recent blue wave can’t be wasted, and we will need a Governor who recognizes the urgency of the moment. That is why I am proud to endorse the Honorable Delegate. Jennifer Carroll Foy, because she best exemplifies the tried and tested tenets of leadership: compassion, strength, and prudence.  

As the representative of District 2, Delegate. Carroll Foy had shown true courage and determination, and her run for Governor is no different. Her stance on criminalization will undoubtedly save countless black and brown people from painful scrutiny under our two-tiered justice system. Her passion for getting Virginians’ back to work is just the spark we need to ignite the flames of progress in our state. It is my fervent belief that if black women are going to continue to be a resource for this party, then they need to be included and uplifted. Black women are more than just our mothers, our sisters, our healers, our teachers, etc. They are the volunteers, the small-dollar donors, and the precinct captains that fuel this party and it’s about time they were rewarded for their selflessness and dedication.

In a country riddled with divisiveness, still licking the wounds left by the last four years, we need someone who can show the rest of the nation that hate and ignorance have no place in Virginia. It is still uncertain whether or not Donald Trump will be able to run for President again; thus, sending the country spiraling back into chaos. Through these uncertain times, we need a Governor that can stand up for us and produce not only results but provide a much-needed sense of clarity. As a resident of District 2, I was fortunate enough to know what it feels like to be represented by someone that makes me feel heard — and I believe that everyone is entitled to that same comfort. Ms. Carroll Foy is not only the bold and progressive choice for our Party’s nominee for Governor – She is the right choice.