Update:
Delegate Hala Ayala announced on Tuesday morning that she will be running for the Democratic nomination for Lt. Governor of Virginia. At 5:07 a.m., Ayala tweeted “It’s official: I’m running for Virginia Lieutenant Governor”.
Ayala is a cyber security specialist that was first elected in 2017 to represent the 51st House of Delegates district in Prince William County. After serving in the General Assembly for three sessions, Ayala is now running to become the first female Lt. Governor in Virginia.
“Delegate Hala Ayala has led – and won – fight after fight for women’s equality, voting rights, strengthened cybersecurity and making Virginia a more inclusive commonwealth,” said Del. Danica Roem. “I’m proud to endorse Hala Ayala for Lieutenant Governor and hope you’ll join me in voting for her in 2021.”
Ayala says her life experiences can help her be the leader that she believes Virginia needs.
“There’s a whirlwind happening, and in a Commonwealth as vast and diverse as ours, we can’t make progress or heal discord without bridging divides — between our communities and our leaders, between our ideals and our realities, and between our past and where we’re going,” said Ayala. “I’m running for Lieutenant Governor because I believe my life experiences enable me to be a bridge builder so we can move Virginia forward into a strong, just, and prosperous future. I think that’s what our families want — someone who understands their experiences and can bring people together to make progress in their day-to-day lives.”
Elizabeth Guzman, another Democrat in the General Assembly that was first elected in 2017 and represents part of Prince William County, has been exploring a Lt. Governor run. “Delegate Guzman is engaging in conversations to ensure she has the buy-in of a diverse coalition were she to run,” said Katie Baker, a spokesperson for Guzman. “She has been energized by these conversations and will make a decision in time to plan a meaningful and well-executed Labor Day Launch.”
Virginia will be electing a new Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General in 2021 – meaning candidates will be vying for their party’s nomination for the next 11 months.