Common Defense’s Champions Lead the Way to Victory in Virginia's 2023 Elections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 8, 2023
CONTACT:
Jacob Thomas, Communications Director
WASHINGTON, DC – Common Defense, the leading grassroots organization of progressive veterans, proudly congratulates its endorsed candidates for the 2023 Virginia general elections. Thanks to the hard work of Common Defense’s staff and member volunteers, they contacted 77,355 voters leading up to election day to get out the vote, helping to win elections across the Commonwealth.
The Common Defense Caucus is:
Lashrecse Aird (SD-13)
Jennifer Carroll Foy (SD-33)
Nadarius Clark (HD-84)
Kelly Fowler (HD-96)
L. Louise Lucas (SD-18)
Russet Perry (SD-31)
Saddam Salim (SD-37)
Josh Thomas (HD-21)
Common Defense's approach to candidate endorsements goes beyond military service credentials, emphasizing the resonance of their values with the grassroots veteran community. The organization's Political Director, Naveed Shah, who is an Army veteran, underlines the importance of these endorsed candidates' dedication to progressive values and their potential to drive positive change in Virginia and the nation:
“Congratulations to the winning candidates and the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia! We're excited to get to work in January, advancing our shared vision for a more just and equitable future, with a strong focus on critical issues like reproductive freedom, cannabis legalization, and addressing the urgent challenge of climate change. The right to vote is sacred in a healthy democracy – and yet, MAGA Republicans continue to break their oath of office and align themselves with extremist groups in order to try to disrupt free and fair elections. Last night’s victories in Virginia, Ohio, and across the country demonstrate our power to overcome extremist challenges, but do not let your guard down. We must stand together against the rising tide of authoritarianism and ensure every vote is counted in every election.”
To learn more about Common Defense and its efforts to ensure a healthy democracy, please contact Communications Director Jacob Thomas.
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Common Defense is a grassroots, veteran-led organization founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as political props. Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves