Keys-Gamarra Acknowledges Former Delegate's Support; Reflects On Campaign Going Forward

RESTON, VA — A day after winning the District 7 race in the Democratic Party primary, Karen Keys-Gamarra posted a message on Facebook, thanking voters and Reston's long-time representative in the Virginia House of Delegates.

"I am grateful to Delegate Ken Plum for his endorsement and overwhelming support, and I am blessed to have him as a mentor," she said, in the post.

Keys-Gamarra also acknowledged the three candidates she defeated in Tuesday's primary.

"I was honored to run for this seat alongside Mary Barthelson, Shyamali Hauth, and Paul Berry," she said. "The HD-7 campaign focused on qualifications, experience, and issues — we can all be proud. Our diversity, ideas, energy, and dedication to public service brought out the best in our community. I look forward to working together to advance the issues we all care about, winning the general election, and electing Democrats to office statewide."

Patch reached out to Keys-Gamarra and asked her to share her thoughts about the primary and how it would shape her campaign moving forward to the Nov. 7 general election. The following is the full text of her response:

"Voters realized that we were at a pivotal moment in history. For 44 years, residents had been assured of Delegate Ken Plum’s experience and steady, kind, and effective leadership. This primary marked a changing of the guard, and voters were concerned and engaged about the future.

"Our community sought reassurance from a leader who had been in the trenches, on the front lines and demonstrated effective leadership even when it was not convenient. I am honored to have earned their vote. Delegate Plum’s endorsement meant much to me as a candidate and to the community. I am blessed to have him as a mentor.

"Voters fear that democracy is at stake. They want strong Democratic leaders in the General Assembly and local and statewide offices to fight for our civil rights, from voting rights to reproductive rights, without fearing being marginalized for who we are or love. Our community is concerned and wants policy changes that would improve lives and Move Virginia Forward, including:

• Women’s reproductive rights (codify Roe v Wade)
• Public Safety, including commonsense gun safety laws
• Access to public education, from pre-K to career, technical, and college
• Voting Rights
• Health Care for all as a fundamental right
• Green energy programs
• Affordable Housing and community care programs

Andrea Gaines, an external affairs manager with the Virginia Department of Elections, confirmed Patch's original reporting that Keys-Gamarra would have a Republican opponent in the general election.

Related: Keys-Gamarra Wins Primary For Open House Seat: Unofficial Results

Candidates had until 7 p.m. on Tuesday to file the necessary paperwork in order to appear on the November ballot.

Luellen Hoffman Maskeny filed a candidate qualification and statement of economic interest before that deadline, according to Gaines. The Republican Party also filed a Certification of Non-Primary candidate, which means that Maskeny was the GOP's nominee in the District 7 race.

Related:

GOP Candidate In District 7 Delegate Race A Life-Long Reston Resident