GWEN will be holding a post-election briefing and discussion on Friday Dec. 7 from 6-8pm. GWEN will invite our supported candidates and/or their representatives to speak a little about their experience this last election cycle. We’ll all talk about what GWEN should do next year to advance her mission of encouraging and supporting progressive women to run for office in Northern Virginia.

For more information or to RSVP, please email GWEN at RSVP@getwomenelectednow.org.

Friends: Thank you to all who gave time and money to GWEN candidates! GWEN helped 7 first time women candidates this election cycle, and she cheered on to re-election progressive women who are already well established in their positions. GWEN certainly hopes those that did not win THIS time, will continue to answer the resonant call to service and run again.

A Quick Summary: The Virginia Legislature was a major focus this fall. First time candidate Margie Vanderhye won her delegate race for the 34th District. First time State Senate candidate Janet Oleszek of the 37th District seems to have lost to Ken Cuccinelli by only 92 votes, but she has not yet conceded. There is a possibility of a recount. GWEN is crossing her fingers!

In Arlington, Mary Hynes, first time candidate for the Arlington County Board, was a top vote getter along with incumbant Walter Tejada for the race that had two seats up. Having won a hard fought primary battle, Abby Raphael was unopposed in her first run for the Arlington School Board.

In Fairfax, Tina Hone won her first race for School Board Member At-Large. It appears that Liz Griffith just barely lost her first race for School Board for the Lake Braddock District, but we have not heard as of this writing if she has conceded or not. GWEN is crossing her fingers for Liz, too!

In Prince William, Sharon Pandak lost her race to unseat Corey Stewart for Chair of the Board of Supervisors.

GWEN is proud to have supported all these wonderful candidates.

What’s Next? GWEN plans to have a post-election debrief and get-together soon to celebrate all our candidates and talk about what comes next. As soon as she’s picked a date, time and place, we’ll get the word out and hope you can come.

If you thought you signed up for GWEN updates, but haven’t been receiving email, please let Libby know (libby73@verizon.net) so she can make sure that you’re on the list.