Despite losing the governorship, Virginia Democrats still achieved some victories in the state legislature.
After flipping the seat from blue to red in 2017, the people re-elected Democratic Delegate Elizabeth Guzman, second-generation union member, to a third term in Virginia HD-31, which is considered a top target in the commonwealth. The Peruvian immigrant fended off Republican challenger Ben Baldwin by just over 4,000 votes.
As a delegate, Guzman is responsible for southeastern Prince William County and parts of northern and eastern Fauquier County. Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Jessica Post called Guzman’s victory another feather in the cap of what America should be about.
“Elizabeth Guzman’s story of immigrating to America and putting herself through college as a single mom resonates with so many Virginians,” Post stated to the AmNews. “She was re-elected tonight because she’s working to ensure that all Virginians have the same opportunity to succeed that she did. The DLCC was proud to support this campaign, and we know that Delegate Guzman will continue her good work in the legislature during her third term.”
As the story goes, Guzman came to America with little money worked her way––the American way––to the top. The second-generation union member helped lift the ban on public-sector collective bargaining, passing criminal reform and solidifying voting rights.
Guzman first won the seat in 2017, defeating eight-term Republican Del. Scott Lingamfelter (who had served eight terms) and became on of the first Latinas to be elected to Virginia’s General Assembly. She was then re-elected in 2019.
Earlier this season Guzman dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor before the June primary and directed her attention back to being re-elected to her current position.
“I’m honored to be able to represent the 31st District for a third term. When I first ran for office, I told my constituents every two years they would have the opportunity to decide if I kept my promises,” said Guzman in a statement to the Prince William Times, (based in Warrenton, VA). ‘I’ve worked extremely hard to deliver for working families, and we know there is so much more we can do: we must work to build a commonwealth that is not only No. 1 for business, but No. 1 for working families… I’m grateful for my family’s support, the work of my staff and volunteers, and for the support of my constituents. Thank you, and I’m excited to keep building on the progress we’ve made.”