“EMILY’s List does not jump into competitive primaries lightly.”
(Woodbrige, VA) – Today, Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy earned the support of EMILY’s List, one of the most powerful political organizations in the country, recognizing Carroll Foy as the future of the party here in the Commonwealth who will turn the page for a new chapter in the state, and the candidate with the momentum to win – here in the primary and in the general in November.
Their endorsement builds on the campaign’s already tremendous momentum, fueled by endorsements from Virginia elected officials and community leaders, and organizations representing thousands of Virginia’s working families, including over a dozen unions, Working Families Party, Democracy for America, and Clean Virginia.
Read below for reactions to today’s news:
NBC News: EMILY’s List backs Carroll Foy in Virginia Governor’s Race
In the crowded Democratic primary for Virginia governor, Jennifer Carroll Foy’s campaign has been adamant that the race has turned into a two-person contest — between her and former Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
And EMILY’s List sees the same thing, as it endorsed Carroll Foy over state Sen. Jennifer McClellan this morning.
Both Carroll Foy and McClellan are vying to be the state’s first woman — and first Black woman — governor.
“Big endorsement here for Carroll Foy. But also politically interesting for Emily’s List given State Sen. Jennifer McClellan is still in the race.”
Amanda Litman, Co-Founder, Run for Something:
“This is a HUGE deal. EMILY’s List does not jump into competitive primaries lightly. They’re getting behind @JCarrollFoy because she’s an amazing leader who is running a powerful campaign that has what it takes to win – but only if we jump in to help NOW, before it’s too late.”
Christina Reynolds, EMILY’s List VP of Communications:
““In order for there to be a trail, there has to be someone willing to blaze it.” Grateful to
@JCarrollFoy for being willing to set it on fire. So proud that @emilyslist is standing with her in her race to be Virginia’s first woman governor. Watch this video and join us!”
Jill Filipovic, Lawyer and Writer
“This is great, and puts EMILY’s List out front of many other progressive orgs in advocating what we actually say we advocate for: More progressive women of color in power.”
“This endorsement is a very big deal in a race that once seemed in the bag for Terry McAuliffe”
Ross Morales, Co-Founder, Run for Something
“As the incredible @MauriceWFP said when discussing @WorkingFamilies’s endorsement of @JCarrollFoy ‘this is a two person race.’ This @emilyslist endorsement is an additional boost to electing the first Black woman governor in US history.”
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Jennifer Carroll Foy has dedicated her life to service. As one of the first women to graduate from Virginia Military Institute, a former foster mom, a magistrate judge, and public defender, Jennifer has embodied the ideals of community, honor and commitment in every facet of her life. During her time in the legislature, Jennifer led the way on the Equal Rights Amendment, proudly supported the successful fight to expand Medicaid to over 500,000 Virginians, and passed a budget that includes a 3% salary increase for teachers. She is a proud mother to twin three year olds, and wife to her husband Jeff, who she met her first week at VMI.