Fifth District News
A Message from Patricia Harper-Tunley, Chairwoman
5th Congressional District Democratic Committee
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It is my honor and privilege to congratulate the voters and volunteers of the great Commonwealth of Virginia for understanding the mission — to elect a statewide Democratic ticket and 13 additional seats in the House of Delegates that puts Virginians first as we navigate the challenges of the current administration.
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Congratulations to our newly elected leaders:
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Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger
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Lt. Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi
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Attorney General-elect Jay Jones​
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​Each of them ran an incredible campaign grounded in service, integrity, and a commitment to improving the lives of all Virginians. Together, they have made history — with our first woman Governor, our first Muslim woman Lt. Governor, and our first black man as Attorney General.
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This is a moment of pride, progress, and purpose for our Commonwealth.
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Again, congratulations — and let’s get ready to do it again!
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Success is the only option.
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Statement Regarding Jay Jones
October 8, 2025
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Virginia's 5th Congressional District Democratic Committee issued the following statement today regarding Attorney General candidate Jay Jones:
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We, like our colleagues, are deeply disturbed by Jay’s comments and adamantly condemn his remarks. To be absolutely clear: there is no place for political violence or violent rhetoric in our public discourse. Jay has taken ownership of the seriousness of his actions.
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However, we will not allow this to overshadow the critical importance of the upcoming election for Attorney General—an election that will determine whether Virginians have an Attorney General who will fight for them and hold the current administration accountable, not serve as its minion.
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The consequences of this election are profound and far-reaching. We are fighting for our families, our rights, and most importantly, our democracy.
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The 5th Congressional District Democratic Committee remains united in its support for Jay Jones as the next Attorney General.
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Fifth District Chair Congratulates Democratic Nominees
June 18, 2025
Patricia Harper-Tunley, chair of the Fifth District Democratic Committee, issued the following statement today praising the party's nominees for statewide office:
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Congratulations to our United Democratic Ticket for November 4, 2025, from the 5th Congressional District. Our dynamic team includes gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, Lieutenant Governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi, and Attorney General candidate Jay Jones. We thank all of the candidates who put in the work to step up to the plate for an opportunity to be our representatives in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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Our course has been set, and we now set sail. Congratulations!​​
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Statement on the passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly
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​May 21, 2025
Patricia Harper-Tunley, chair of the 5th District Democratic Committee, issued the following statement today on the passing of Rep. Gerry Connelly:
Today, we mourn the passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly, who devoted nearly four decades of his life to public service—as a staffer on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a member and two-term chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and a nine-term member of Congress.
He was known for so many things, including his fierce advocacy on behalf of federal workers and his work on cybersecurity and Information Technology modernization. And he knew how to get things done. The Center for Effective Lawmaking, a joint venture of the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University, had named Mr. Connolly the “most effective lawmaker” of the 2021-2023 congressional session. And in November of 2024, he was chosen by his colleagues to be ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.
His presence will be missed, but his spirit of strength, endurance, and persistence will continue to elevate, influence, and inspire those of us who follow in his footsteps. On behalf of Democrats throughout the Fifth Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to his family.
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Fifth District Chair Issues Statement after Passing of President Carter
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President Carter devoted his life to serving others, not only as Governor of Georgia and President of the United States, but in his post-White House years as a Sunday School teacher, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and an advocate for global health, democracy and human rights. The 5th congressional district will remember him for all he did for the country, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Carter family.
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