(Woodbridge, VA) – Today, feminist and activist Gloria Steinem, endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy and her positive vision to move Virginia forward. Gloria Steinem is a leader in gender equity and civil rights as the co-founder of the historic National Women’s Political Caucus, the Ms. Foundation for Women, the Free to Be Foundation, and the Women’s Media Center. She is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, which was awarded to her by President Barack Obama.
“Jennifer Caroll Foy is the only candidate with the proven ability to take on the status quo that has left women behind,” said Steinem. “She’s been a champion for justice her entire life — from breaking barriers as one of the first women to graduate from Virginia Military Institute, to leading the effort to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in Virginia and expanding access to reproductive freedom. I’m honored to support Jennifer and I can’t wait to see her make history this year.”
“I am deeply honored to be endorsed by Gloria Steinem, a trailblazer for women across the country and hero to so many, including me,” said Carroll Foy. “I’ve lived the challenges so many girls and women have faced here in Virginia, from going without healthcare to juggling multiple jobs as a working mom. I’m running to take on those challenges, especially the struggles women and families face. While we’ve made so much progress in our Commonwealth, we have a long way to go to truly build a Virginia that works for all people. As governor, I’ll fight hard for paid family leave, reproductive freedom and justice, and more so that everyone has a fair shot at success in Virginia.”
As one of the first women to graduate from Virginia Military Institute, Del. Carroll Foy has spent her career breaking barriers and fighting for gender equality and reproductive freedom. As a Delegate, Carroll Foy led the charge for the Reproductive Health Protection Act in addition to the ERA ratification in Virginia, paid family leave, and addressing the maternal mortality rate. As Governor, Carroll Foy has pledged to appoint a pro-choice cabinet, ensuring her Administration actively advances policies that support the reproductive freedom of all Virginians.
Carroll Foy continues to build a broad, diverse coalition that is reaching Virginians across the Commonwealth. Her people-powered campaign is supported by over a thousand volunteers and allied organizations organizing across the Commonwealth. To date, community leaders, unions and organizations representing millions of working people have endorsed her candidacy, including:
- Amalgamated Transit Union
- American Federation of Government Employees Local 252 and Council 1
- Baltimore-DC Metro Building and Construction Trades Council
- IBEW Local 26
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 51
- Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association (Plumbers Local 5, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 10, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 110, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 486, Plumbers and Steamfitters 489, Steamfitters Local 602, and Sprinkler Fitters Local 669)
- Teamsters Local 730 and Joint Council 55
- UNITE HERE Local 25
- United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
- IATSE Local 22
- Clean Virginia
- CASA in Action
- Democracy for America
- EMILY’s List
- Feminist Majority PAC
- Her Bold Move
- March On
- NAKASEC Action Fund
- People for the American Way
- Richmond for All
- Run Sister Run PAC
- Sunrise Movement
- Sunrise Movement Virginia
- Virginia’s List
- Virginia Justice Democrats
- #VOTEPROCHOICE
- Women for the Win
- Working Families Party
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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 three percent 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.