Today’s celebration of the women’s movement is particularly poignant. During COVID-19, women--especially women of color--have been disproportionately furloughed, have had their hours reduced, and have lost their jobs. Women are more likely to be infected, hospitalized, and die from COVID-19 than their male counterparts, and women are more likely to be our frontline workers throughout the pandemic. COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequities and has devastated Virginia women.

“I’m so grateful for the dozens of volunteers who circulated thousands of petitions across the Commonwealth in support of our campaign for a strong future for Virginia families,” said Delegate Hala Ayala. “This is a people-powered campaign, and we are so lucky to have the support of so many incredible grassroots volunteers who believe in our vision. I’d also like to thank the thousands of voters who signed our petition and have given me the opportunity to make my case to voters. This election will be about selecting a Lieutenant Governor who understands what Virginians are facing and can build bridges and lead our Commonwealth into the future, and I am that candidate.” 

"I am so proud to endorse Delegate Hala Ayala for Lieutenant Governor,” Said Former Congressman Jim Moran. “Hala hasn't become such a strong leader by talking the political talk. She has walked the uphill walk. Her inner grit and moral compass have been forged from a life of hardship and challenge. But she has never given in nor given up. She has the intellectual capacity and the genuine compassion to help all Virginians rise up and fulfill our collective potential. I hope you’ll join me in supporting her as our next Lieutenant Governor.”

“From passing her bill to expand broadband access to successfully working to expand Medicaid for 400,000 Virginians, Hala Ayala has proven herself a tenacious advocate for policymaking rooted in science,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action. “Hala will continue to fight for the people of Virginia as the state’s lieutenant governor, promoting facts and evidence-based solutions to the most pressing issues facing Virginians.”

“Virginia played a crucial role in delivering the Presidency to Joe Biden and rebuking the hate and bigotry of Trump,” said Delegate Hala Ayala.  These activists worked tirelessly to make this happen and I am so honored to have their support. They understand that we need leaders who will build bridges and unite our Commonwealth and I can’t wait to work with them on issues that matter most to Virginians.” 

Delegate Hala Ayala spoke on the House floor in observance of Black History Month on Friday afternoon honoring Black women who are facing a national emergency in the midst of COVID-19. Ayala, who is an Afro-Latina running for Lieutenant Governor and would be the first woman of color elected statewide in Virginia, was endorsed last week by Higher Heights, the only political action committee exclusively dedicated to electing more Black women.