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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, March 4, 2025 CONTACT: communications@arlingtondemocrats.org Arlington Democrats Announce Two School Board Candidates File for Party Endorsement Arlington Democrats Will Vote to Endorse One Candidate in May with Online, In-Person Countywide Voting ARLINGTON, VA  – Today, the Arlington Democrats announced that two candidates for the Arlington County School Board have filed for the committee’s endorsement. In May, Arlington Democrats will endorse one of the two candidates running to fill one vacancy on the School Board. Any registered Arlington voter will be allowed to participate in the committee’s endorsement vote after pledging to be a Democrat and to support all endorsed candidates in the General Election. Voters who turn 18 on or before the November 4, 2025 General Election will be allowed to participate in this endorsement process. Below are the candidates who filed for the Arlington Democrats’ endorsement in alphabetical order: Monique “Moe” Bryant June Prakash “Arlington values public education and strong School Board leaders who will protect our students and educators from the harmful agenda of the Trump administration,” said Arlington Democrats Chair Steve Baker.  “We’re excited to have two exceptional candidates running for School Board. I’m confident Arlington Democrats will endorse a great candidate who will stand up to the attacks on our schools and ensure every student in Arlington has access to a safe, high-quality education.” Arlington Democrats will hold two in-person voting days in different parts of the county on the following dates:  Sunday, May 4, 2025:  from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Washington-Liberty High School (1301 N Stafford St, Arlington, VA 22201). Saturday, May 10, 2025 : from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School (3500 23rd St S, Arlington, VA 22206) Arlington Democrats will also allow online voting in its 2025 endorsement process from 10:00 a.m. on Saturday,  April 19, 2025 , until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Voters have until Thursday, May 8, 2025  to request an electronic ballot. More details about our endorsement process are available on the SBEV page  of our website.  ###

Hosted by Congressman Don Beyer in conjunction with Arlington County, Alexandria City, Fairfax County, and Falls Church City. Resource fair will take place on Saturday, March 8 from 12–5 p.m. at Wakefield High School. More details forthcoming.

Trump’s illegal dismantling of the federal government threatens the economy of Virginia, the well-being of Virginians, and the critical work that now-dismissed federal workers do for us. Yet Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin supports the firings.  He claims  that Musk and Trump are just making the government more efficient. Rather than defend his wrongly fired constituents, Youngkin suggests without evidence that the fired workers were the embodiment of “waste, fraud, and abuse.”  Youngkin also blithely claims that there are plenty of open jobs , implying that fired workers will be only briefly inconvenienced. The governor has no empathy for workers who, without warning and cause, are losing their careers and livelihoods. Nor does Youngkin acknowledge the extent of the difficulties they face. Youngkin is failing in one of his fundamental responsibilities as governor to “ protect the citizens of the commonwealth in the secure enjoyment of their rights, franchises, and privileges,  . . .” In contrast, Maryland Democratic Governor Wes Moore has vowed to fight the cuts, saying  “[w]e we must step up to defend our people.” He promises to respond  to the cuts with his own executive orders and policies and will work with the state’s attorney general on lawsuits filed together with other states to block some of Trump’s moves.  The difference in approach shows even in small ways. Governor Moore has introduced a website  for federal workers listing, in user-friendly format and language, information about unemployment insurance, job searches, health coverage, legal resources, and federal employment regulations. Virginia has a similar website , but it omits any mention of legal resources or federal employment regulations. In addition to not resisting Trump’s blitzkrieg himself, Governor Youngkin is not interested in informing his constituents about their legal rights or the legal support available to help fired federal workers resist on their own.  Musk has made it clear  that the terminations to date are but a fraction of those he plans. Every effort must be made to block this campaign before it inflicts even more harm. What can you do? Contact  Governor Youngkin and say:  SCRIPT: Please fight to reverse the illegal, unjustified, and deeply damaging terminations of Virginia’s federal employees. Your constituents need your help, and your oath of office obligates you to try to help them.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, February 19, 2025 CONTACT: communications@arlingtondemocrats.org In Light of Trump’s Assault on Public Servants, Arlington Democrats to Host Town Hall for Federal Workers Town Hall for Federal Employees & Contractors to be held on February 25 at 6:30PM at Central Library ARLINGTON, VA – Today, the Arlington Democrats announced they will be hosting a town hall for federal employees and contractors. The town hall will bring together a panel of experts who will answer questions and help those affected navigate the uncertainty created by the Trump administration. Since January, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have launched an unprecedented assault on federal workers, resulting in widespread firings and layoffs that affect many who live in Arlington County, The event will take place on Tuesday, February 25 at 6:30PM in the auditorium at Arlington Central Library. The panel of experts will discuss the implications of these attacks and available protections for affected workers. Speakers will include: Alissa Tafti , President of AFGE Local 2211 and Chair of the Federal Labor Caucus of the NoVA Labor Federation. Patrice Howard , Attorney specializing in government contracting, and former Department of Justice Contracting Officer. Kristina Moore , Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, who advises government contractors on navigating uncertainty and investigations. Victoria Watson , Senior Counsel at Alan Lescht & Associates, P.C., who represents federal employees in cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and in federal courts. Interested Arlington residents can visit here for more information and to sign up to attend. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless assault on federal employees is disproportionately affecting communities like Arlington County, where many federal public servants live and raise their families,” said Steve Baker, Chair of Arlington Democrats . “Arlington Democrats are doing everything we can to push back on these senseless attacks, support our federal workers, and hold Republicans accountable for their actions.” Arlington Democrats will also start a yard-sign campaign to show appreciation and support for federal workers. More information can be found here . ###

Please see the following notice by Arlington Office of Voter Registration about an upcoming training they are holding for prospective candidates in Northern Virginia. To view complete details and register, go to the Arlington Elections page . About Training Brought to you by the Arlington and Prince William County Offices of Voter Registration, t his free training covers administrative basics of running for office in Virginia. Topics include when and where to file to be on the ballot, campaign finance, and ranked choice voting tabulation. Complete the form below to register for the training. Registration is not required but encouraged. Time & Date: Saturday, March 1st from 10am to Noon. Location : Old Manassas Courthouse, Second Floor, 9248 Lee Ave, Manassas, VA Free Parking is available in the lot by the Prince William Elections Office located at 9250 Lee Ave. or at the lot at the corner of Mosby & Peabody. Register Here Tentative Agenda 10am - 10:15 Introductions 10:15 - 10:45 Ballot Access Basics - Where and when to file to get on the ballot 10:45 - 11:30 Campaign Finance Overview 11:30 - Noon Understanding Ranked Choice Voting Tabulation in Virginia

From Northern Virginia Congressman Don Beyer | Original Substack Post Dear Federal Employees, I write as you face a career decision, that I know must be stressful and overwhelming, in the offer of so-called deferred resignation from federal civil service. I am not a lawyer, financial planner, or career advisor, and cannot tell you what to do. But I can offer my empathy and perspective on the choice that faces you. As someone who grew up in a family of civil servants, pursued public service, and represents over 70,000 federal employees, I respect and value your service to the country. This is a hard moment, and what is happening to you is frightening and unfair. You can see what Elon Musk and Donald Trump are doing. The hiring freeze, Schedule F, the mass firings, the cancellation of work arrangements and collective bargaining agreements, and the emails and statements insulting you and your work – all are designed to demoralize you, fill your workplace with chaos and fear, and get you to quit. Deferred resignation is designed to tempt you, but there are major reasons for concern. First, the Administration says they can rescind this offer after it is accepted and stop paying you, which would leave you with little or no recourse. Next, the legality of these offers is dubious. They are written by people who clearly don’t know the law or understand how the government works. They promise pay through September even though funding has only been appropriated through March. As you know, that’s not how this works. Finally, to accept this offer, you must trust that Elon Musk and Donald Trump will keep their word. They both have extensive track records of dishonesty. Their emails are intentionally deceptive, and they are forcing you to make this choice on an arbitrarily rushed timeline - a longtime tactic of scammers and con artists. I do not trust them. Only you know what is the best choice for you. If you are concerned about your job security and think taking this offer is the lesser evil, there is no shame in that. But you also know best what will happen if the vital services you provide are downsized, eliminated, or put in the hands of unqualified, inexperienced political flunkies. You know how important your work is, and however dark this moment feels, your dedication, expertise, and patriotism ARE valued and appreciated, more than you know. I will not stop fighting for you and for the federal employees who choose to serve the American people, and there are many others who will have your back. You are not alone, and America needs you more than ever.

Whereas , on January 29, 2025, PSA Airlines Flight 5342, operating as American Eagle, collided mid-air with a United States Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in the tragic loss of all 67 people aboard boath aircraft; and Whereas , the disaster represents the deadliest aviation accident in the United States in over two decades and occurred in our Arlington community, just short of Reagan National Airport, a vital hub serving our region; and Whereas, first responders—including the Arlington County Police and Fire Departments, the Arlington County Emergency Communications Center, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, District of Columbia Fire and EMS, United States Coast Guard, Maryland State Police, and other local, state, and federal agencies—acted with extraordinary bravery and professionalism in their rapid response to the crash site, facing hazardous conditions such as freezing waters, strong winds, and low nighttime visibility; and Whereas , this tragedy underscores the critical need for continued investment in air traffic control staffing, safety measures, and aviation oversight to prevent future incidents and protect the lives of passengers, crew members, and military personnel. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , that the Arlington County Democratic Committee expresses profound sorrow for the lives lost in this horrific accident and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by this tragedy; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that we extend our sincerest gratitude to the first responders and emergency personnel who demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism in the immediate aftermath of the collision, and we recognize their invaluable service to our community; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that we urge federal and state officials to take all necessary steps to strengthen aviation safety protocols, ensure robust staffing levels for air traffic controllers, and prioritize measures that enhance public safety in our airspace. Dated this Fifth day of February, 2025.

What Trump’s press secretary calls “ the largest massive deportation operation in history ” is underway. In defense of the sweep, Majority Leader Mike Johnson says that “ waves ” of migrants are “ overwhelming our communities .” The implication is that the number of undocumented immigrants is soaring. Trump claims that the “wave”  of illegal immigration has led to a surge in violent crime , and the administration says that the ongoing deportations are aimed at removing “ known criminal aliens .” Not one of these claims is true. Democrats have a better solution to the problems at the southern border. Working with Senate Republicans, Democrats introduced legislation  last year that could have boosted the number of border guards, increased staffing for entry procedures and asylum claims, and streamlined the review process so that it would no longer take 5–7 years  for an immigrant’s asylum claim to be heard. The bill was gathering support when then-candidate Trump announced  his opposition. Reportedly, Trump wanted the border to remain disordered  so that he could campaign on the issue. Is the “wave” of illegal immigration real? No. The total number of undocumented immigrants in the United States is slightly below the level it was in 2008  at the end of the eight-year George W. Bush administration. Because of active, orderly deportation programs under Democratic and Republican administrations alike, the number of undocumented immigrants in the country has been relatively stable for the past 15 years . There is no “wave” of illegal immigration. Are undocumented immigrants responsible for a surge in violent crime? No. There is no increase in crime. A recent report on crime in forty top cities finds that rates of violent crime are back down to pre-pandemic levels  – the lowest they have been in 5 years. Moreover, undocumented immigrants have a much lower crime rate than native-born citizens. A government study found that “undocumented immigrants are arrested at less than half the rate of native-born U.S. citizens for violent and drug crimes and a quarter the rate of native-born citizens for property crimes .” A private nonprofit group  found that “[a]s a group, immigrants have had lower incarceration rates than the US-born for 150 years .” There is no migrant crime surge. Is the current operation targeting immigrants for deportation who have a criminal background as the administration claims ? No. Trump officials also said this about deportations during his first term, but evidence later revealed that many of those arrested had no record at all or had only committed driving offenses . Now Trump has ordered Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to arrest 1200 people per day , a figure that leaves no time to prioritize arrests of people with a criminal background . The administration admits that many of those arrested on an early day of 1200 arrests did not have a criminal record . The ongoing deportation operation is not, in practice, targeted at undocumented immigrants with a criminal history. The White House press secretary has tried to rewrite Trump’s claim  by saying that everyone  in the country is a criminal just by virtue of being here illegally. This is not true. Illegal entry is not a criminal offense.  It’s a civil offense. Moreover, this is the same White House that just released over 1500 convicted January 6 rioters from prison, including 170 accused or convicted of using a deadly weapon . This administration’s concern for law and order does not extend to keeping these dangerous criminals off the streets.  Whatever Trump’s purposes in imposing his deportation program, his goal is not to keep Americans safe.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 29, 2024 Press Contact:  communications@arlingtondemocrats.org The Arlington Democrats mourn the loss of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away December 29, 2024. Carter’s legacy, based on his time both in public office and in private life, inspires us through his commitment to service, humanitarianism, and high ethical and moral standards. More information on President Carter's life and legacy can be found here . ###

Update: The caucus previously scheduled for Monday, April 22nd at Lubber Run Community Center for the purpose of electing Arlington delegates to the 8th District Convention and DPVA State Convention is cancelled.  As of the filing deadline, April 15 at 5:00 pm, we had 56 people file for delegate, fewer than the number we were allocated and therefore no election is needed. Everyone who filed as of the deadline is automatically a delegate for the 8th district convention on May 18.  File for State Delegate or Alternate.  If you wish to attend the 8th Congressional District and State Democratic Conventions, you must  file to be a State Delegate or Alternate  by  Monday, April 15 at 5pm.    File for National Delegate or Alternate . If you wish to attend the National Democratic Convention in Chicago, you must  file to be a District-Level or At-Large National Delegate or Alternate  by  Friday, May 3 at 5pm  (for District-Level) or  Thursday, May 30 at 5pm  (for At-Large).   Convention Dates : 8th District Democratic Convention : Sat., May 18, 2024, Alexandria, VA Virginia Democratic Convention : Sat., June 22, 2024, Richmond, VA National Democratic Convention : August 19–22, 2024, Chicago, IL   Questions?  For more information on our delegate selection process, please see   Arlington Dems'  Call to Caucus   and 8th Congressional District Dems'  Call to Convention  or contact our Chair, Steve Baker at  chair@arlingtondemocrats.org .

The extreme policy recommendations of Project 2025 provide a preview of the catastrophic consequences of a second Trump administration. The recommendations appear in a   920-page book ,   Mandate for Leadership ,   published in the spring of 2023 . Project 2025 was   led by the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation . The   director and an associate director of Project  2025 were former Trump administration officials, and   many other former Trump alumni took part in the book’s drafting .   When work on Project 2025 began in 2022 , Trump said,   “[t]hey’re going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do.” After criticism of Project 2025 began to circulate,   Trump claimed  ignorance. Project 2025 was shuttered and its leader resigned. But it had already   completed its work . Its comprehensive recommendations are ready for implementation if Trump returns to office. The recommendations are only one part of Project 2025. Equally disturbing is its   database of 10,000 Trump supporters  who are interested in government jobs.   Project 2025 has vetted them for their fealty to Trump   and has given them video training on its goals.   The plan is for Trump to reclassify thousands of federal jobs as political rather than civil-service positions, so he can remove the current employees and replace them with his loyalists . From the very outset of a second administration, by using this army of loyalists, Trump could begin to adopt Project 2025’s recommendations. The   scope of Project 2025 is unprecedented . It contains hundreds of recommendations on everything from child labor ( allow minors to hold hazardous jobs  (p. 595)) to the language the government should use in official documents ( eliminate any reference to “climate change” in all government statements and publications  (training video “ Hidden Meanings ”)). Underlying these recommendations are a few basic principles. Slash the powers of the executive branch and   concentrate its surviving authority in the office of the President . For example, Project 2025 recommends either stripping away the law-enforcement powers of the Federal Trade Commission, an independent agency that enforces antitrust and consumer-protection laws, or eliminating it altogether (pp. 872-73). It suggests transferring any remaining FTC authority to the Department of Justice (p. 872). At the same time, through the removal of civil-service protection for Justice employees, Project 2025 would bring the Justice Department directly under the control of the White House. Diminish or eliminate the ability of the federal government to devise and enforce safety standards.   Project 2025   recommends new restrictions both large and small on the government’s ability to   protect the public from various dangers. For example,   it would gut  the Biden Administration’s work to reduce toxic “forever chemicals” called PFAs in drinking water by, among other things, “revisit[ing] the designation of PFAs as ‘hazardous substances’” (p. 431).       Reorient governmental activities to benefit private commercial interests . For example, Project 2025 recommends that the National Weather Service   cease providing free weather reports but continue to gather weather data  for use by companies that sell weather forecasts (p. 675).    Empower the federal government to interfere in individuals’ private lives .  Project 2025’s recommendations cover the gamut of culture-war issues. One of the most consequential is its recommendation that the   FDA withdraw the long-standing approval of abortion medications, which as the Project notes, are now used in over half of the abortions performed in the U.S.  (pp. 457-58). This would make an abortion far more difficult to obtain for many, even in states where abortion remains legal. Slash legal immigration . Project 2025 recommends deep cuts in legal immigration. One recommended mechanism is to   eliminate  Temporary Protected Status  (p. 145), which allows immigrants to stay in the U.S. if the Secretary of Homeland Security   deems their home country unsafe for them . About   850,000 American residents  have TPS ,   including some Afghan citizens  who worked with U.S. forces during our military presence in their country and were evacuated by the U.S. upon the return of the Taliban. The end of TPS would   subject everyone with TPS status to the risk of deportation . These are among the things a second Trump administration would try to do. You can help prevent it from happening. Work to elect Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, and the full slate of Democratic candidates to federal, state, and local offices. Note: The Project 2025 publication appears in several different formats on the web. The page numbers given here are those at the bottom of the page cited in Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Saturday, May 11, 2024 CONTACT: communications@arlingtondemocrats.org Zuraya Tapia-Hadley and Kathleen Clark Emerge as Winners of School Board Endorsement, Move on to November General Election Ballot ARLINGTON, VA – Today, the Arlington Democrats announced that they are officially endorsing Zuraya Tapia-Hadley and Kathleen Clark for the Arlington County School Board. Throughout late April and May, Arlington Democrats held in-person and online voting opportunities to select two of the four candidates running to fill two vacancies on the School Board. Any registered Arlington voter was able to participate in the committee’s endorsement vote after pledging they are a Democrat and supporting all endorsed candidates in the next General Election. The May 2024 School Board Endorsement Vote was Arlington Democrats’ first-ever implementation of a commercial online voting platform. Tapia-Hadley won Round 1 of the Democratic School Board Endorsement vote with 44.41% of the overall vote. She received 862 votes. Clark also won in Round 1 with 39.57% of the vote. She received 768 votes. To win outright, a candidate needed to receive more than 33% of the vote, or more than 647 votes to pass the threshold. “I am so grateful to the voters of Arlington County who supported me and all who came out to vote. I'm particularly grateful for my team and my family as integral to this moment,” said Zuraya Tapia-Hadley. “As an APS parent, I appreciate the significance of this endorsement and look forward to continuing to advocate for students and educators as the centerpiece of our system. I'm thrilled for the opportunity to continue the campaign with fellow Democrats and expand our Democratic base as we work towards a Blue victory this November.” “Thank you to everyone who volunteered, contributed, showed up, spoke up, voted, and participated,” said Kathleen Clark. “I am honored to be chosen by the Dems after having so many heart to heart conversations with new people, and I will continue to have those conversations so that I can amplify the community's voice on the School Board.” “Arlington Democrats are thrilled to announce our endorsement of Zuraya Tapia-Hadley and Kathleen Clark for the School Board,” said Arlington Democrats Chair Steve Baker. “We’ll work until November to organize, mobilize, and turn out voters to elect these candidates along with the rest of the Democratic ticket on the November ballot. Democrats will continue standing up to Glenn Youngkin’s culture wars in our schools, and ensure our students have access to a quality education.” To learn more about the platforms of each of the endorsed candidates, please visit Zuraya Tapia-Hadley’s website at zurayatapia4schoolboard.org and Kathleen Clark’s website at kathleenforarlingtonschoolboard.org. ###