DFA Endorses Hala Ayala for Lt. Gov of Virginia
(Vermont) -- Democracy for America (DFA) endorses Hala Ayala for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, who secured the Democratic nomination last week. If elected, Ayala would be the first woman of color and the first Afro Latina, elected to statewide office in Virginia’s history.
DFA previously endorsed Hala in her bid for Virginia’s 51st House District back in 2017 as part of our successful multi-cycle effort to flip the Virginia legislature from Purple to Blue. Ayala went on to win against a four-term Republican incumbent in the diverse and fast-growing suburbs of Prince William County. A Virginia native, Ayala is a powerhouse progressive with a passion for people-powered policies that serve working families.
For over 20 years as a cybersecurity specialist with the Department of Homeland Security, she worked to protect our nation’s information systems and prevent attacks on our national security. From the local PTA and statewide women’s advocacy groups to serving on the McAuliffe Council of Women, Hala has long worked for progress; and seeing millions of women stand up against division and hate during the historic Women’s March inspired her to run for office.
“Ayala is a rising star for the New American Majority and she has the receipts to prove it. She made good on her campaign promises of expanding Medicaid for 400,000 Virginians, raising teacher pay, passing the Equal Rights Amendment, and expanding background checks in order to promote gun safety,” said Yvette Simpson, CEO, Democracy for America. “She will be a force for real, progressive change as Virginia’s next Lt. Gov.”
Democracy for America has 33,995 members in the Commonwealth of Virginia and more than a million members nationwide.