ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 4, 2019 — To maintain the record-breaking momentum Arlington County Democratic candidates achieved in the November 2018 midterm elections, the Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Dems) has created two new mechanisms to support Democratic candidates in upcoming elections, beginning with the 2019 election cycle. Prospective Candidate Open House In partnership with the progressive political organization “Run For Something,” Arlington Dems will host its first Open House on Jan. 7 for candidates interested in pursuing Arlington Democrats nominations/endorsements in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 cycles, and beyond:
What: Arlington County Democratic Committee Prospective Candidate Open House
Where: Shirlington Public Library, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, Va.
When: Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m. During the Open House, Arlington Democrats will provide an overview of the party nomination and endorsement process, while Run for Something will offer a primer on the nuts and bolts of running a campaign. Launched Jan. 20, 2017—inauguration day of President Donald Trump—Run for Something helps to recruit and support young, diverse progressives to run for down-ballot races to create a next-generation slate of candidates to seek higher office in the future. “The future of the Democratic Party in Arlington, in Virginia and across the country relies on attracting, training and supporting passionate and dedicated candidates with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints,” Arlington Democrats Chair Jill Caiazzo said. “Arlington Dems is committed to identifying, preparing and sustaining these individuals, who represent the future of our country.” Prospective Campaign Staff Resume Bank To further support first-time candidates, Arlington Dems also has established a resume bank that will connect potential campaign staff members to Democratic nominees and endorsees. Both seasoned campaign staff and those contemplating working for a campaign for the first time are invited to add their resumes and complete the accompanying interest form at arlingtondems.org/resume-bank. Campaign positions range from paid staff to volunteer. Key Dates and Importance of 2019 Elections The primary for the 2019 Virginia elections will be held June 11, while the general election is slated for Nov. 5. All 40 Virginia Senate and 100 Virginia House of Delegates seats will be on the ballot, along with many local offices. The deadline to file required paperwork for those running for the Virginia State Legislature is March 28. More information is available in the Virginia Department of Elections “Candidate Bulletin.” Information for prospective candidates for other offices is also available from the department. The 2019 Virginia elections will be critical to solidifying the Democratic Party’s position in the state. “In 2019, Democrats have the chance to win majorities in both the Virginia state Senate and House of Delegates. When we send Democrats to Richmond, good things—like Medicaid expansion—happen,” Caiazzo said. Winning these majorities is particularly critical ahead of the post-2020 redistricting cycle. The Virginia State Legislature draws both congressional and state legislative district lines. “In addition to strongly defending our local offices, Arlington Dems will relentlessly pursue redistricting reform—and a big win in the 2019 races is key to those efforts,” Caiazzo added. The 2019 Virginia elections will give the state's Democrats the opportunity for a third consecutive record-breaking elections. Democrats won 15 Republican-held seats in the November 2017 state House elections, the biggest electoral shift toward the Democrats since 1899. The Arlington County Democratic Committee is neutral in candidate selection, and committed to providing equitable resources to any Democrat interested in running for office.
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