Rozia Henson, Jr. knows all about taking on great challenges. Last year, he ran for the 2nd House District seat that was vacated by former Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy. Although he came up short in his bid, it prepared him for the next time he ran. Now, he is answering the call again as he runs for Vice Chairman of the Prince William County Democratic Committee. On Tuesday, he met with the PW Perspective to discuss why he is running.

“When (former Vice Chairwoman) Aeshah (Sheikh) decided to step down, something in me kept telling me to do this,” said Henson. “It was telling me, ‘This is your opportunity to speak up and advocate for the progressive changes that you want county wide.'”

“So instead of just Woodbridge, I can take the county with me to address some of the concerns. We have some known issues dealing with fundraising and outreach. One of the main issues is that we are not doing outreach to the eastern side of the county. So I know they’re there.”

He recalls the support of the people when he ran for the district seat. “I remember when I ran for the 2nd district, they started to come out and ask what they can do to help. So hopefully by having this platform, I can get them involved on the county level across all of the magisterial districts. Having that young, progressive voice will bring a balance. We have two candidates coming from the west end, and I’m the only one on the eastern end.”

We asked him what were some of the biggest issues facing the committee? “People need to realize there is a density issue that is happening from the east to the west. In most cases, we are only seeing people twice a year, and that’s when they vote in the primaries and in November.”

“But there are other issues on the county level that we need them involved in as well. Hopefully by having a new chair, we can resolve the complex issues. Normally I’m working each day for 40 to 52 hours solving issues for the federal government and now I’m bringing it down to the county level. This is something that drives me to go, i=I’m just following my passion.”

He cites the need for younger, progressive voices in positions of leadership, particularly after last week’s primaries. “I do believe that the county and the party is moving forward. You would want to be ahead of the change instead of behind. This is an opportunity to shift the change.”

“I’m related to an explorer, and he had to face roads that were never chartered. This way when younger to moderate progressives wants to change, they have a platform and template to utilize. Hopefully with the new chair, we can set expectations and set the tone. Nationwide they look at Virginia and New Jersey to see how things are going, so we can set the playing field and show this is what a democracy and progressive change looks like.”

“We can be the change that we need.”

He is running against Patty Kuntz. Tonya James is running for Chair of the PWC Democratic Committee.