Washington D.C. – People For the American Way is proud to make its initial endorsements in the 2023 Virginia elections, with a slate of candidates in the primary elections scheduled for June 20. Today, People For is endorsing incumbent Commonwealth’s Attorney (Arlington/Falls Church) Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, incumbent Commonwealth’s Attorney (Fairfax County) Steve Descano, incumbent Commonwealth’s Attorney (Loudoun County) Buta Biberaj, and former member of the Virginia House of Delegates Lashrecse Aird for the Virginia Senate seat representing District 13.
“Virginia is a battleground for the defense of critical rights and freedoms in this year’s elections,” said Svante Myrick, president of People For the American Way. “Equal justice, kids’ freedom to learn, and the rights of all Virginians to thrive and live with dignity are at risk under the Youngkin administration. Not only that, Virginia’s elections will be closely watched as a curtain-raiser for the presidential and Congressional elections in 2024.”
“That’s why we are so excited to endorse great progressive candidates in four important primaries this year,” said Myrick. “We’re proud to endorse Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, whose forward-looking approach is working to help end overincarceration and focus on helping people turn their lives around while keeping Arlington and Falls Church safe. We support Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, an outstanding advocate for equal justice and community safety in Fairfax County. Our endorsement goes to Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj, who is ending overincarceration while focusing Loudoun’s resources on combating violent crime. We are proud to support Lashrecse Aird, whose record as an outstanding pro-choice, pro-civil rights, pro-voting rights member of the Virginia House makes her the right choice for the Senate.”
“I’m pleased and honored to accept People For the American Way’s endorsement,” said Parisa Dehghani-Tafti. “We share important values when it comes to ending unequal treatment in our criminal justice system and making reforms that keep everyone safer. I’m grateful for the support of People For members in Arlington and Falls Church.”
“People For the American Way understands that we’ve come a long way in Fairfax County and we still have important work to do,” said Steve Descano. “So I’m honored to receive their endorsement today. I look forward to the support of People For members in Fairfax as we continue to have Fairfax County be the safest large community in America.”
“It’s very gratifying to be recognized and endorsed by People For the American Way. This is an amazing achievement for Loudoun County as we work together to provide safety and justice to our communities,” said Buta Biberaj. “People For the American Way sees the value of our work in Loudoun as we focus on strategies that maximize our resources and improve safety for everyone. It’s an honor to serve the county and to be supported in the progress we’re making.”
“People For the American Way’s endorsement means a lot to me,” said Lashrecse Aird. “People For was with me in my House career and stands for the same things I do: equal justice and opportunity, racial and gender equity, and civil rights for all Virginians. I fought for Virginians in the House and will fight for all of us in the Senate, and I’m honored to have People For supporting me in that fight.”
See more about the candidates here.
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About People For the American Way
People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org