Common Defense Endorses 5 Candidates for Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 13, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT

Jacob Thomas, Communications Director | jacob@commondefense.us 

WASHINGTON – Common Defense, a grassroots organization of progressive veterans representing nearly 400,000 members nationwide, is excited to announce a slate of endorsements of candidates for the 2023 Virginia primary elections. The candidates are: 

Shyamali Hauth (HD-07)

Lashrecse Aird (SD-13)

L. Louise Lucas (SD-18)

Jennifer Carroll Foy (SD-33)

Saddam Salim (SD-37)

Common Defense endorses those who we can trust to champion a progressive policy agenda rooted in justice for working-class people like us. Common Defense is distinct from other organizations in that we endorse and support candidates who reflect the values of our grassroots veteran members' values, not merely on whether the candidate served in the military themselves.

Common Defense's Political Director, Naveed Shah, an Army veteran, released the following statement: 

“We proudly endorse these candidates for their unwavering commitment to progressive values. Their advocacy for social justice, economic equality, and healthcare accessibility is exactly what our nation and the Commonwealth of Virginia need. With their leadership, we can continue to strive towards a future where liberty and justice truly are for all.”

The Candidates

Shyamali Hauth (House District 7)

Shyamali Hauth is an exceptional candidate for Virginia House District 7, bringing diverse experiences and a deep understanding of the local issues that matter most to the community. With a distinguished 10-year career in the Air Force, Shyamali has served her country both as an enlisted member and an officer, exemplifying leadership, discipline, and dedication. As an immigrant herself, she intimately understands the challenges and dreams of those seeking a better life, making her a compassionate and effective advocate. Shyamali's personal journey also includes triumphing over cancer, a testament to her resilience and determination. As a mother of a transgender child, she is a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. In her campaign, Shyamali prioritizes pressing local issues such as improving infrastructure, ensuring affordable and attainable housing options, addressing climate change, strengthening public education, and championing mental health initiatives. With her unique blend of military service, immigrant background, personal experiences, and a deep commitment to the community, Shyamali Hauth is poised to be a transformative leader for Virginia House District 7. 

Lashrecse Aird (Senate District 13)

Lashrecse Aird, a Virginia Senate District 13 candidate, has a compelling background that shapes her passion for public service and community advocacy. Born to a Navy Veteran and a teen mother, Lashrecse deeply appreciates the sacrifices made by military families and understands the challenges young parents face. As a former House Representative for HD-63, she has already demonstrated her commitment to serving her constituents and fighting for their rights. Lashrecse is a vocal champion for important issues such as reproductive freedom, promoting environmental justice, and advocating criminal justice reform, which is also some of Common Defense’s priorities. Her dedication and hard work have been recognized through prestigious awards, including being named the 2021 Legislator of the Year by the Virginia Education Association and received the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Free Enterprise Award. Additionally, Lashrecse's ability to work across the aisle has garnered respect and admiration from colleagues, making her an effective and collaborative force in achieving meaningful change for Virginia.

L. Louise Lucas (Senate District 18)

Senator L. Louise Lucas, a Virginia Senate District 18 candidate, is a trailblazing leader. Born and raised in Portsmouth, she made history as the first African American woman elected to the Portsmouth City Council and as the first woman and Black person to hold the office of Senate Pro Tempore. Lucas is a business owner, including a cannabis store, and a champion for equal rights, reproductive freedom, and funding public schools, understanding that investing in education is crucial for the future success of our communities. She is an outspoken critic of Governor Youngkin, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her constituents and progressive values. Lucas fearlessly voices her concerns and challenges policies she believes are detrimental to the well-being of Virginians. Her unwavering dedication to her constituents and her commitment to progressive values make her a formidable Virginia Senate District 18 candidate. With her extensive experience, groundbreaking achievements, and unwavering advocacy, L. Louise Lucas is poised to continue positively impacting her community and the state as a whole.

Jennifer Carroll Foy (Senate District 33)

Jennifer Carroll Foy, a Virginia Senate District 33 candidate, is an inspiring individual with a remarkable background. As a Public Defender and former delegate in House District 2, she has dedicated her career to serving and fighting for the rights of others. Raised by her grandmother in Petersburg, a challenging environment, Carroll Foy experienced firsthand the hardships faced by her community. They struggled to afford medication, and she witnessed the effects of gun violence and a lack of resources in her school. Despite the obstacles, Carroll Foy persevered and became one of the first women to graduate from Virginia Military Institute. Carroll Foy's commitment to improving her community continued throughout her career. She led efforts to clean up toxic coal ash ponds across the Commonwealth, addressing environmental concerns and promoting public health. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the successful push to expand Medicaid, ensuring access to healthcare for over 500,000 Virginians. During the 2020 General Assembly, Carroll Foy championed a pro-woman, pro-labor, and pro-environment agenda, emphasizing the importance of equality and workers' rights. Notably, she led the charge to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in Virginia as the bill's chief sponsor, furthering the cause of gender equality. Jennifer Carroll Foy's experiences and accomplishments have shaped her into a dedicated advocate for her constituents. With her leadership and commitment, Carroll Foy seeks to create positive change and improve the lives of Virginians across the district. 

Saddam Salim (Senate District 37)

Saddam Salim is a remarkable individual whose life experiences have shaped his commitment to community service. As a first-generation immigrant from Bangladesh, Salim witnessed the devastating impacts of extreme drought and flooding in his home country. Only a year after arriving in the United States, he and his family faced homelessness and struggled to make ends meet. They resided in low-income affordable housing while his parents worked minimum wage jobs. Access to healthcare became a vital concern, with his family relying on community health centers for medical care. With his background as a financial consultant for the United States Institute of Peace, Saddam Salim has gained greater insights into the importance of affordable housing, healthcare, education, and community support. His personal experiences have motivated him to give back to the community that extended a helping hand to him and his family during challenging times. We’re proud to endorse him and support his campaign.