The Power of Organizing in Richmond: A Victory for All of Us
This victory belongs to every single one of you who knocked on doors, made phone calls, organized events, and spread the word about the power we have when we come together. This is a movement of environmentalists, labor organizers, education activists, advocates for peace and justice, and everyday residents. Together, we showed Richmond the power of organizing both within and beyond elections.
This campaign could not have happened without the committed members of Richmond for All, the Richmond Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, New Virginia Majority, Sunrise Movement, Lead Locally, Teamsters Local 322, SEIU, LiUNA, and the Richmond Education Association. I am in awe.
Richmond has spoken, and the message is loud and clear: our city deserves a government that puts people over profit. Together, we’ve shown that real change is built through our shared commitment to a city where every voice is heard and every person matters.
As we face the outcome of the presidential race, let this victory in Richmond be a beacon of hope. It reminds us that our local movements are as powerful as ever — that even in the shadow of national uncertainty, we have the ability to shape a future rooted in justice and freedom here at home.
To that end, we cannot ignore the voters in Gilpin Court, 11 of whom received ballots without local races and the others who arrived to vote while the doors were locked. Their disenfranchisement is a reminder of why we fight so hard: every single person deserves representation. Their voices are not just numbers. They are our neighbors, friends, and family. We stand with them to demand fair elections and a system that never overlooks or dismisses anyone. I want to give special thanks to the Gilpin Community, Maria Carra Rose, and our teams who jumped into action to work side-by-side to ensure that the issues were addressed. Together, we can recognize injustice and fight it.
This campaign is proof that we can build a city for all of us, where each of us has a seat at the table.
We have so much work to do, and I look forward to doing it with you.
