SPOTLIGHT RACE: Elizabeth Guzman for VA-HD22
Elizabeth Guzmán is a social worker, public administrator, and was the first Latina immigrant to serve in the General Assembly. She represented the 31st District in Virginia’s House of Delegates for six years. This district included parts of Prince William and Fauquier Counties, where she lives and raises her four children. She cares about her community, listens to its members and will not back down to ensure its needs are met.
Elizabeth came to America as a young single mother with $300 in her pocket. She worked three minimum-wage jobs to afford a one-bedroom apartment and eventually worked her way through Northern Virginia Community College, earning two master’s degrees. She has spent her career in local government and human services, which includes protecting children from neglect and abuse. She now oversees a $20 million budget and a 200-person operations staff for the City of Alexandria’s Dept. of Adult Services, which serves some of our most vulnerable populations.
In the legislature, Elizabeth served in the Commerce and Energy Committee, the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee, and the Education Committee. Elizabeth introduced more than 100 bills during her time in office and served as vice chair of the education committee and chair of the subcommittee of the social services committee.
As a second-generation union member, she led the fight for a “paid sick days” law so no Virginian had to choose between their health and a paycheck. She also passed historic legislation that lifted Virginia’s blanket ban on public sector collective bargaining. She has been recognized as a successful legislator by numerous advocacy organizations such as the Virginia Education Association and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters.
While staying true to her values, Elizabeth has worked diligently in a bipartisan fashion to bridge the rural-urban divide and ensure all communities in her district are represented, earning her respect from members on both sides of the aisle.
Elizabeth lives in Prince William County with her husband, Carlos, their four children, and her mother, Gregoria.
https://guzmanforvirginia.com