Ghazala Hashmi, Jade Harris, Trish White
-Boyd, Victoria Luevanos. Kimberly Pope
Adams, Karen Keys Gamarra, Debra Gardner,
Kelly Convirs-Fowler, Bonita Anthony.
Han Vu, Contributing Writer
Selna Shi, News Editor
The 2020 Census showed the U.S. population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse compared to the previous census, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census’ Diversity Index chart ranked Virginia the 14th most diverse state.
Some students say while representation matters, policies matter more in a candidate. First-year VCU psychology student Kymoree Henry said policies apply to everyone while representation only applies to a certain demographic.
“It [policies] shows that you care rather than you just put this out so you can get a vote from a certain demographic, just so you can be in office,” Henry said.
First-year VCU dance and choreography student Ryann Smith said both representation and policies matter.
“I just want someone who cares about the wellbeing of the people, rather than their own personal or religious beliefs,” Smith said, referring to the stakes of abortion rights in Virginia.
Virginia is seeing 10 women of color candidates in this upcoming election on Nov. 7. These women are running for seats in the state Senate and the House of Delegates. All 140 seats are up for grabs this General Assembly election since redistricting in 2021.
State Senate Candidates
Jennifer Carroll Foy, a former delegate that was born and raised in Petersburg, is running as a Democratic candidate for the Senate District 33, against Republican candidate Mike Van Meter. Foy previously represented House District 2, but resigned to run in the 2021 gubernatorial election, according to Ballotpedia.
The fight to retain abortion rights in Virginia is in her priorities, according to Foy’s website. Foy is also prioritizing…
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