Democrats Outperform State Average to Secure Key Victories
ARLINGTON, Va., Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021—Work by hundreds of Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) volunteers contributed substantially to successful efforts to win critical races in Virginia on Election Day. Arlington re-elected several members of the House of Delegates, including Patrick Hope (District 47), Rip Sullivan (District 48), and Alfonso Lopez (District 49). Voters also elected Elizabeth Bennett-Parker to represent District 45, which includes parts of Arlington. Bennett-Parker currently serves as Alexandria’s vice mayor.
At the county level, voters re-elected Democratic nominee Takis Karantonis to the Arlington County Board, and elected Mary Kadera, who was endorsed by Arlington Democrats, to the Arlington School Board. Kadera succeeds Monique O’Grady, the 2017 Democratic-endorsee who did not seek reelection this year. “Arlington Democrats are grateful for Monique’s leadership in our schools during an incredibly difficult time,” Caiazzo said. “Her grace and wisdom have contributed immeasurably to the success of Arlington’s nationally recognized school system.”
“The tremendous outpouring of Democratic support in Arlington was inspiring and contributed to victories in several critical races. At the end of the day, we fell short statewide, but we’re confident that the Democratic leaders elected today will continue the fight for a brighter future in Virginia for everyone.”
Arlington voters backed bond referenda to fund infrastructure improvements for needs ranging from public transit to parks and recreation. In August, Arlington Democrats passed a resolution supporting these bond measures.
Arlington Democrats, Arlington Young Democrats, and Beyond Arlington Worked on Behalf of Democratic Candidates Across Commonwealth
Hundreds of Arlington volunteers called, texted, and wrote to voters across Virginia. “It was a real team effort that made a difference in several critical races across the Commonwealth,” Caiazzo said. “Arlington Democrats will always be there for our neighbors, supporting candidates who embody Democratic leadership principles in all corners of Virginia.”
The Beyond Arlington team, which seeks to make a difference in key races outside of Arlington, fielded volunteers in support of five targeted House of Delegate candidates, including the successful reelection campaigns of Wendy Gooditis and Dan Helmer. In addition, the Arlington Democrats’ Blue Families program, which seeks to make political engagement accessible to parents and youngsters, wrote 54,000 postcards to voters and knocked on more than 1,000 doors in Virginia swing districts. Arlington Young Democrats logged more knocked doors and phone calls than any other Young Democrats chapter in the Commonwealth, totaling 3,779 voter contacts this election cycle.
“This was a hard-fought slate of elections across the Commonwealth,” Arlington Young Democrats President Matt Royer said. “We supported Democratic leaders with the experience and empathy to tackle the complex problems and challenges the country faces. We stand ready to provide whatever they need to foster a secure, sustainable and equitable future for all Virginians.”
House of Delegates Member-Elect Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (District 45)
Bennett-Parker defeated former CIA branch chief-turned intelligence consultant J.D. Maddox. “I’m honored to be the Delegate-elect for the 45th district,” Bennett-Parker said. “Thank you to every voter who put their faith in me. I got into this race to continue delivering for our community. I will always strive to ensure that our Commonwealth is an equitable and inclusive place for all.“
House of Delegates Member Richard “Rip” Sullivan (District 48)
Sullivan was re-elected by defeating Republican Edward Monroe. “Thank you to the people of the 48th District for your votes and your confidence in me,” Sullivan said. “I will continue to work with every fiber of my being to ensure our values are reflected in the policies made in Richmond over the next two years.”
House of Delegates Member Patrick Hope (District 47)
Hope defeated GOP challenger Laura Hall. “I am thankful to the voters of the 47th district for entrusting me with another term to serve as Delegate,” said Hope. “While I congratulate Governor-elect Youngkin on his victory, I remain committed to protecting the rights of every Virginian and build on the progress we have secured over the last two years. I look forward to working with my Republican colleagues to invest in education, end gun violence, invest in mental health and move our Commonwealth forward. I stand with my Democratic colleagues to steadfastly protect our progress.”
House of Delegates Member Alfonso Lopez (District 49)
Lopez defeated Republican opponent Timothy Kilcullen. “Thank you to the people of the 49th District for the opportunity to continue serving our amazing community in the Virginia House of Delegates,” Lopez said. “I’m deeply honored that you have chosen to send me back to Richmond to represent our values and priorities in the General Assembly. It’s incredibly humbling to be able to represent my friends and neighbors in Arlington and Fairfax. Thank you for your trust and support. Together, we will continue working to build a Commonwealth that lifts everyone up and leaves no one behind.”
Arlington County Board Member Takis Karantonis
Karantonis prevailed over independent candidates Audrey Clement, Michael Cantwell and Adam Theo. “I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity and the privilege to continue serving #ArlingtonVA as a Member of the County Board for the next 4 years,” Karantonis said on Twitter. “I am humbled by the confidence, encouragement and support I received from Arlingtonians across our entire County. Thank you! — Back to work now!”
Arlington County School Board Member-Elect Mary Kadera
Kadera was victorious over independent Major Mike Webb. "I am honored by the faith that voters have placed in me to serve you on the School Board,” she said. “I'm committed to strengthening our schools, supporting our staff and collaborating constructively and respectfully with APS families so all our students will thrive."
Bond Issues
The bond issues on the ballot were:
Metro Capital Funding. A $38.7 million bond issue to finance Metro, road and pedestrian capital projects.
Arlington County Parks and Recreation Capital Funding. A $6.8 million bond issue to underwrite capital improvements to local parks and recreational facilities.
Arlington County Neighborhood Conservation and County Facilities, Infrastructure Capital Funding. A $17 million bond issue to finance capital projects that will improve neighborhood conservation, county facilities, the courthouse, and county infrastructure.
Arlington School Capital Funding. A $52.7 million bond issue for capital projects to Arlington Public Schools.
Strong Early Voting Trend in Arlington Sets New Turnout Record For Governor’s Race
Leveraging voting reforms passed by the Democratic-led Virginia General Assembly last year, and responding to the Arlington Democrats’ call for early voting to minimize public health risks posed by the pandemic, more than 41,167 Arlington voters cast their ballots early. This was more than three times the number of Arlingtonians who voted under the previously more restrictive absentee in-person and by-mail system. Under that system, in 2017, only 12,480 voters cast ballots early, according to figures compiled by the Virginia Public Access Voting Project. Arlingtonians also voted early substantially more often than voters across northern Virginia, and the Commonwealth as a whole, VPAP numbers showed.
“As they always do, the Arlington Registrar’s Office did a remarkable job running this election, particularly as the pandemic continued to pose challenges and the extreme Trump-GOP continued to make baseless attacks on our election processes,'' Caiazzo said. “Arlington Democrats is deeply appreciative to all election officials and volunteers for providing another safe and professional experience for voters across the county and the Commonwealth.”
In Arlington County, 93,811 voters cast ballots as of Election Day, which constitutes nearly 61% of active voters (with additional early votes still being counted)—besting the prior turnout record for a governor’s race of 60.2% set in 1989. Of Arlington votes counted so far, 76.49% were cast for McAuliffe. In comparison, the 2017 gubernatorial race drew 85,382, or 59%, of all registered Arlington voters, with 79.91% voting Democratic.
Comments