(Woodbridge, VA) – Today, U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) endorsed Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy in the Virginia gubernatorial primary. Underwood and Carroll Foy share a deep commitment to fighting for working families, and in particular, tackling the Black maternal mortality crisis.
- “Jennifer Carroll Foy’s inspirational candidacy and continued commitment to working families, especially moms, is second to none in the race for governor,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood. “Jennifer knows what it’s like to face a healthcare system that diminishes the concerns of Black women, and shoulder the cost of childcare, which is why she has been and will continue to be a steadfast fighter for working families across the Commonwealth as the next Governor of Virginia.”
“I am so honored to receive the support of Rep. Lauren Underwood, a trailblazer in the fight to end the Black maternal mortality crisis in our country,” said Jennifer Carroll Foy. “I remember nearly losing my life after giving birth to my two boys because my pain was diminished and dismissed. Rep. Underwood understands the urgency that we must bring to this fight for all working families — families like mine. I will never stop fighting to ensure that all Virginians have access to the quality, affordable health care, child care, paid family and medical leave, and more, that they deserve.”
Jennifer talked publicly for the first time in February about her harrowing postpartum struggles, including facing a life threatening complication. Like so many Black women in America, her pain was initially dismissed by healthcare professionals, leading her to suffer for days before deciding to go to the emergency room. Carroll Foy’s healthcare plan, dedicated to ensuring that all Virginians have access to quality care, is aimed at tackling the same maternal healthcare inequities she faced. Her plan will increase funding for the Virginia Maternal Mortality Review Team, allocate funding for doula care through Medicaid, and increase access to culturally competent care.
Carroll Foy continues to build a broad, diverse coalition that is reaching Virginians across the Commonwealth. Her people-powered campaign is supported by hundreds of 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:
- United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
- Amalgamated Transit Union
- American Federation of Government Employees Local 252
- 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
- Clean Virginia
- CASA in Action
- Feminist Majority PAC
- Democracy for America
- #VOTEPROCHOICE
- Women for the Win
- March On
- Richmond for All
- Run Sister Run PAC
- Sunrise Movement
- Sunrise Movement Virginia
- Virginia Justice Democrats
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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.