“As the mother to a Black son and a Black daughter, I know the visceral fear that our Black mothers have when our sons and daughters drive to work, or go for a walk around the block. My children are one of the main reasons that I fight for criminal justice reform, and legalization is a critical part of that fight,” said Delegate Hala Ayala.

Governor Ralph Northam signed Delegate Hala Ayala’s legislative agenda supporting Virginia working families passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Her agenda focused on supporting the Commonwealth’s workers, women, and families during the COVID-19 pandemic and moving Virginia forward to a strong future as we recover from this crisis. 

"We know that women in our Commonwealth make just 82 cents on the dollar compared to their male, and that gap is even wider for a woman of color like myself. As we commemorate Equal Pay Day--the day that the average women must work in order to earn what the average man earns in the previous year--it is a stark reminder that our fight for gender equality and equity is far from over."

“I am so proud Congress has voted to remove the arbitrary deadline on the ERA, and I am grateful that so many members of the Virginia Delegation supported this measure,” said Delegate Hala Ayala. “We are one step closer to ensuring that equal rights are enshrined in the Constitution.” 

Hala has been a champion for women and families her entire career, especially when it comes to women's equality and reproductive justice. Her work and advocacy as chief co-patron on the Equal Rights Amendment was indispensable in making history for Virginia—and our nation— as the state became the 38th and final state necessary to ratify the ERA.

“With her background as a grassroots Democratic activist, PTA mom, and cybersecurity professional, Hala brings the skills, compassion, and progressive values that will best serve our Commonwealth's children and families,” Said Dr. Barbara Kanninen. "I hope you will join me in supporting Hala as Virginia's next Lieutenant Governor."