In response to the election of Ralph Northam as Virginia governor, Justin Fairfax as lieutenant governor, and Mark Herring as attorney general, People For the American Way President Michael Keegan issued the following statement:
“Congratulations to Governor-elect Northam, Lieutenant Governor-elect Fairfax, and Attorney General-elect Herring, who will all be strong leaders for progressive values in Virginia. This is a victory not only for the people of Virginia, but also for the health of our country’s political norms. Ed Gillespie ran on a platform of hate, and Virginia voters rejected it emphatically. He brought Trump’s fearmongering, anti-immigrant playbook to his campaign, dividing Virginians and scapegoating people of color at every opportunity. Our communities deserve far better than that. Today shows that pushing hate is not the path to political victory.”
People For the American Way Political Director Lizet Ocampo, who also leads PFAW’s Latinos Vote! program, said:
“Again and again, Latino communities in Virginia—who were singled out by Gillespie’s campaign—stood up to this bigotry, from protesting against his divisive rhetoric to knocking on doors to engage voters. Trump’s toxic agenda continues to harm our communities nationwide, but today we showed that it can be stopped. This win is a sign of the power of the resistance and a testament to the hard work of Latino voters across Virginia.”
People For the American Way’s Latinos Vote! program was actively engaged in the Virginia gubernatorial race, including:
- Running a Spanish-language TV ad in key markets—Northern Virginia, Richmond, Newport News, and Virginia Beach—calling out Gillespie’s anti-immigrant and racist attacks
- Partnering with local organizers on a canvassing kick-off event featuring PFAW board member and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta
- Co-leading a protest of Gillespie’s hateful campaign
- Responding in the press to Gillespie’s anti-immigrant attack ads
In addition, People For the American Way endorsed and supported Justin Fairfax through its Next Up Victory Fund, which supports progressive candidates age 40 and under running for state and local office.
PFAW spokespeople are available to speak with the press. To arrange an interview, please contact [email protected].
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and defend constitutional values including free expression, religious liberty, equal justice under the law, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy. PFAW’s Latinos Vote! program works to expose and counter anti-immigrant, anti-Latino rhetoric and policies from Republican and far-right candidates, leaders, and elected officials.
# # #