Washington D.C./Richmond, Virginia — Today, People For the American Way, in partnership with the campaign of gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe, announced the release of the first in a series of radio ads engaging Black voters across Virginia. The radio ads, which begin running today, are slated to run on urban radio stations across the Commonwealth through Election Day on November 2.
The new ad, titled, “Terry McAuliffe: The Reason I Can Vote,” features Virginian Eric Branch, who stood with McAuliffe when he announced he would restore voting rights to hundreds of thousands of Virginians. As Virginia’s 72nd governor, McAuliffe fought tirelessly to create a stronger, safer Commonwealth and to protect Virginians’ right to vote. He reversed a century-old law that disenfranchised countless Virginians and restored voting rights to 173,000 Virginians — more than any governor in American history. In stark contrast, McAuliffe’s Donald Trump-endorsed opponent, Glenn Youngkin, launched his campaign on an “election integrity” plan based on Trump’s conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Youngkin has even called “election integrity” the “most important” issue in the race. Eric will vote for McAuliffe this fall. Listen to the ad here.
Early voting in Virginia began on Friday, September 17, and People For is urging voters to cast their ballots now.
“Terry McAuliffe’s record is a clear reflection of his commitment to Virginia’s Black community,” said People For the American Way President Ben Jealous. “Under McAuliffe’s leadership, Black Virginians saw some of the biggest civil rights advancements in the state’s history, including the expansion of voting rights, extended access to affordable health care so families can thrive, and new groundwork to create a safer Commonwealth and rebuild police and community relations. McAuliffe deserves Virginians’ votes because he understands the challenges that all Virginians are facing, and more importantly, the need to keep Virginia moving forward.”
“As Virginia’s 72nd governor, I woke up every single day working to make life better for Virginians across our Commonwealth, and that included protecting Virginians’ most basic civil rights. Unfortunately, voting rights remain under attack by right-wing, Donald Trump-aligned candidates across our country, and protecting the right to vote is on the ballot this November,” said Terry McAuliffe. “My Trump-endorsed opponent Glenn Youngkin has said his number one priority is his ‘election integrity’ plan based on Donald Trump’s conspiracy theories. He’s running for Donald Trump, but I am running for you, and my priority will always be creating good paying jobs, making health care more affordable, and giving every Virginia child a world-class education.”
Ad link here.
Ad Script:
Eric: My name is Eric Branch and there’s a personal reason I’m voting for Terry McAuliffe.
Eric: It’s not the only reason I am voting, but it’s the reason I can.
Eric: You see, Terry McAuliffe knew that the Jim Crow Era law that prevented people who made one mistake in life from voting was racist.
Eric: He took on the Republicans to end that racist law and gave 173,000 people like me our fundamental right back to vote.
Eric: It was an act of courage.
Eric: Now I can vote for the future of Virginia and I am voting for Terry McAuliffe because Terry stands up for real people and Terry stands up for our community.
Eric: I voted early, you can too.
Eric: So make a plan and vote.
McAuliffe: I’m Terry McAuliffe and I will always stand up for what’s right and for you.
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.