Alfonso Lopez Is Running To Retain The 49th District Seat In The VA House Of Delegates

ARLINGTON, VA — Del. Alfonso H. Lopez lives in Arlington with his wife and two boys. A member of the Democratic Party, he's also running to retain the 49th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.

During the Nov. 2 general election, voters living in the 49th District, which covers parts of Arlington County, will have a chance to decide whether Lopez, Republican challenger Tim Kilcullen or Independent candidate Terry W. Modglin will serve in the next session of the Virginia General Assembly. Early voting is already underway.

Patch asked each of the candidates running in the Nov. 2 general election to fill out the following profile:

Name

Alfonso H. Lopez

Position sought

Delegate for the 49th District

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Wife, Sarah, and two boys.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife is an employee of the U.S. Department of Education.

Education

Vassar College (B.A.), Tulane University (J.D.)

Occupation

Government Affairs Executive (26 years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Virginia House of Delegates (2012-Present)

Why are you seeking elective office?

I grew up in this community and firmly believe that our progressive values are what make this area such a wonderful place to live. Since my first campaign for the House of Delegates, I have pledged to bring our progressive values to Richmond and have worked year after year to help build a coalition of voters across the commonwealth that gave Virginia its first progressive legislative majorities in living memory. Those majorities have passed a remarkable suite of legislative reforms in just the last two years that have transformed Virginia into one of the most prosperous and progressive states in the nation -- but our work is not over yet. Families like mine are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the cost of living, not just in Northern Virginia, but in every region of the commonwealth. I have dedicated my time in office to pushing for transformative policies that work to lift up every Virginian and ensure that no one is left behind and I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to continue to use my voice and my experience to advocate on behalf of the residents of the 49th district for as long as I have the privilege to serve in the House of Delegates.

What is the single most pressing issue facing our district is a lack of affordable housing and this is what I intend to do about it.

My legislation created the Virginia Housing Trust Fund in 2013 and ever since it has been the commonwealth's most important tool for the creation and preservation of affordable housing statewide, as well as combatting homelessness. I have worked steadily to increase funding for affordable housing priorities, but we're not nearly where Virginia needs to be to meet existing demand. In addition to increasing the housing stock, I've worked closely with my constituents on issues relating to the quality of existing affordable housing and intend to introduce legislation that will protect the right of every Virginia resident to live in a good, quality home.

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates seeking this post?

I have over two and a half decades of experience in policy making, community advocacy, and government relations and my values most closely match that of this community -- progressive, welcoming, and committed to social and economic justice for all.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I have spent decades advocating for progressive environmental reforms and pro-immigrant rights policies, which are big priorities of my legislative agenda each session. I have also been extremely committed to criminal justice reform efforts that seek to end the burdensome and racialized criminalization of immigrants and communities of color. Finally, I have long carried with me the dream for universal access to education, especially higher education.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have spent the last five terms working to pass and support a raft of critical progressive reforms, among them including the successful establishment of the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, the expansion of in-state tuition and college financial aid to undocumented students, the dedication of $800 million toward pollution prevention in the Chesapeake Bay, the expansion of Medicaid, the abolition of the death penalty, and the raising of the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always try to see things from another person's perspective — fighting for workers and families struggling to get by is always a Good fight — and be kind.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I believe in equitable policies that work to empower every community, particularly those that have historically suffered from societal neglect or oppression. My agenda each session is rooted in the principles of economic and social justice for all, which means fighting for everything from universal healthcare, to walkable neighborhoods, to clean skies and seas. I'm always working to build a Virginia where we lift everyone up and leave no one behind.

Related:

Candidate Profile: Tim Kilcullen For VA House Of Delegates

Candidate Profile: Terry W. Modglin For VA House Of Delegates