“Generations in the making“
Jay Jones, a Democrat and member of Virginia’s House of Delegates since 2018, announced officially on Monday that he is running for Attorney General of Virginia.
“Today, I am announcing that I’m running for Attorney General of our great Commonwealth, not just because it is time for a new generation of leadership, but because it is time for a Commonwealth that embraces everyone and lifts everyone, no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you look like,” said Jones.
Jones is a Norfolk native and serves in the same seat in the House of Delegates that his father held from 1988 to 2002.
“The decision we’re making today is generations in the making. Five generations ago my ancestors were freed from the shackles of slavery. Just two generations ago my grandfather endured systematic racism and discrimination on his journey to becoming one of the few Black lawyers in Virginia,” said Jones in his campaign announcement on Monday. “And in 1960 my father and my uncle were two of the first Black students to attend an all-white school in Norfolk, Virginia.”
The 31-year-old statewide candidate announced last week that while exploring this run, he raised more than $255,000 in the first financial filing period of 2020.
Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-Virginia Beach) gave her endorsement to Jones: “I am fortunate to have Jay Jones represent me in the House of Delegates, and I am proud to endorse him for Attorney General,” said Luria. “Jay is the type of leader that lifts everyone up and leaves no one behind. During my first term in Congress, we have worked together to fight for the people of Hampton Roads, and I know Jay has the conviction, integrity and experience to fight for every Virginia family as our next Attorney General.”
Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg, who represents Henrico County endorsed Jones as well. “I have seen Jay’s leadership and effectiveness up close in the Virginia House of Delegates,” said VanValkenburg. “As a civics teacher, I know Jay’s statewide election would be not only historic but also vital to showing our young people that our Commonwealth is inclusive and open to everyone. Jay will make Virginia proud as our next Attorney General. We need new voices and a new generation of leaders to lift everyone up in our Commonwealth.”
This endorsement weighs heavy for insider politics as Henrico’s Commonwealth Attorney Shannon Taylor is also exploring a run for Attorney General.
On top of these endorsements, Jones released a large slew of elected officials from across Virginia including seven state senators and 26 delegates.
“We need an Attorney General who will fight for every single Virginian, who protects our consumers, stands up for all our rights, and who will lead us into the next decade by lifting everyone up,” said Jones.
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