Sam Rasoul Makes a Bid for Lieutenant Governor

For Virginians every year is an election year, and 2021 is no different. With the Democratic Primary for statewide elections on June 8th and early voting underway, some candidates have been in the race for months. The field for Lieutenant Governor is especially crowded, with more than five candidates on the ballot. One such candidate is Sam Rasoul, a current member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 11th District and a politician the Virginia Youth Climate Cooperative (VAYCC) has worked with in the past.

Rasoul is the first Muslim to serve in the Virginia legislature and has been an outspoken advocate for the poor and working class during his time in office. While Rasoul is a member of a packed group of experienced politicians, he just recently gained the endorsement of the Washington Post. He is also being supported by the Sunrise Movement, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Delegate Dan Helmer, among others. Rasoul has made his identity as an ethnic majority central to his campaign, and has further promised to serve as a voice for “all Virgians” if he is elected.

The three main values guiding Rasoul’s campaign are “truth, love, and grit” and he aims to spread acceptance with the message of loving one’s neighbor. As a native Virginian and Roanoke representative, Rasoul’s campaign has been completely funded by people and he has rejected special interest PAC donations. Going a step further, as a newer and younger face in politics, Rasoul started the Impact Center initiative to help encourage the next generation of leaders to run for office. Since he entered the field for Lieutenant Governor, he has emerged as a frontrunner after raising more than $600,000 by the end of 2020, more than double what many other candidates have raised. As a proud progressive and one of the more liberal candidates in the race, Rasoul has pledged to work towards a more fair and equal Virginia.

Rasoul has proved himself to be a strong climate champion, not only receiving endorsements by the Sunrise Movement, but also the national advocacy group of the Food & Water Action. He also introduced the Virginia Green New Deal in the House to help address the climate crisis. This plan pledges to reach 100% renewable energy sources while also providing thousands of good jobs to community workers. He has also focused on environmental inequality and has ensured he will continue to fight for immediate action in office.

Virginia needs a leader who will prioritize fighting climate change in office. Delegate Sam Rasoul is running a unique campaign based on his “People’s Platform” and is a strong environmental ally. As the Commonwealth continues to trend Blue, it is incredibly important to keep the climate crisis at the forefront of policy.