(Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jennifer Carroll Foy visits Razor Sharp in Petersburg. Credit: Carroll Foy campaign.)
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jennifer Carroll Foy (Prince William) returned to her hometown of Petersburg on Saturday to rally support for her campaign. While she was in town, the mayor and vice-mayor announced their endorsement of the former state delegate as she seeks to become the first Black woman Governor in the United States.
“Petersburg has made me who I am: a fighter,” Carroll Foy said on Saturday. “Growing up here, I was raised with a lot of support from members of the community, my family, and my church. But I also knew what it was like to struggle, making hard decisions solely based on lack of resources.”
While in town, the gubernatorial hopeful visited several small businesses in the downtown-area including Boppers Malt Shop, Trapezium Brewing Company, and Karen’s House of Beauty. As each of them were recipients of CARES Act money to help them through the pandemic, Carroll Foy talked to the employees and owners about her plans to place an emphasis on helping small businesses rebuild in a post-COVID economy.
“This plan is important to me because I’ve lived the everyday struggle of economic insecurity,” she said in January when she originally announced the plan. “I grew up in Petersburg, a town that was left behind, in a community fighting every day just to get by.”
Earlier Saturday morning, Carroll Foy took her followers back to her beginnings when she filmed a Q&A while standing in front of her childhood home on Talley Ave. “When I run for Governor I will not forget where I came from,” she said before answering questions about increasing LGBQT+ inclusivity and reaching rural voters in Southwest Virginia.
Additionally, a film crew from MSNBC was following the candidate around the city throughout the day.
The Petersburg native pumped up a crowd of supporters that gathered during the afternoon at a parking lot in Old Towne while Mayor Sam Parham and Vice Mayor Annette Smith-Lee stood beside her.
“Del. Carroll Foy is a once in a lifetime candidate and local hero from our town,” Parham said in his endorsement announcement. “We need a fearless leader who knows what it’s like to advocate for everyday people as Governor of Virginia and I could not be prouder to endorse her candidacy.”
Vice Mayor Annette Smith-Lee echoed the same sentiment. “I am enthusiastically supporting Jennifer because she has constantly shown up for her community,” the Vice Mayor said. “She knows what it’s like to face these barriers and tackle them head-on.” Smith-Lee continued to say that she is looking forward to working with the Petersburg native if she becomes Governor.
The candidate reciprocated the notion of working with leaders to help the people of Petersburg in the future. “I am honored to have the support of my hometown’s leaders and look forward to working with Mayor Parham and Vice Mayor Smith-Lee on fighting for working families and ensuring people have a fighting chance to succeed.”
Carroll Foy is seeking the Democratic nomination in a field that includes another Petersburg native in state Senator Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond), former Governor Terry McAuliffe, Del. Lee Carter (Manassas), and Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax.
Virginia Scope is an independent news publication that is funded largely by donations and subscribers. As local newsrooms are losing writers each day, we are trying to fill the void to ensure that the public is informed and that leaders are held accountable for their actions. If you can chip in a monthly subscription of whatever you can afford, even $1, it will go a long way to helping us. Subscribe here. You can also make a one-time donation below:
