Irene Shin Running For 8th District Seat In House of Delegates Race

HERNDON, VA — Irene Shin is a 36-year-old nonprofit executive director. She's also running for reelection to the Virginia House of Delegates in the new 8th District, which includes the Town of Herndon, Oak Hill and Franklin Farm.

A Democrat, Shin is facing Republican challenger Max Fisher in the Nov. 7 General Election.

Town of Herndon and Fairfax County voters will be casting ballots for candidates running for open seats on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board races. In Fairfax County, candidates are running to be chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, sheriff, commonwealth's attorney, and clerk of the court, as well directors on theas Soil and Water Conversation District. Votes will also be choosing who will represent them in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates.

Related: Max Fisher Running For House Of Delegates In 8th District: Profile

The first absentee ballots for the General Election were mailed on Friday, Sept. 22, which was also when early voting began. Early voting will continue through Nov. 4, which is three days before Election Day. More information about about how to register to vote, vote early, request an absentee ballot and find your polling place in Fairfax County is available online.

Patch invited each of the candidates running in 8th District race to fill out a questionnaire about their campaigns. Patch does not edit the responses of candidates to its election questionnaire. The following are Shin's responses.

Name

Irene Shin

Position sought

Delegate - 8th District

Age (at the time of election)

36

Campaign Website

ireneforva.com

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside

Occupation - Please include years of experience

State Delegate - Since January 2022; Nonprofit Executive Director - 4 Years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Delegate for the 86th District (January 2022 - Present)

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking re-election because I want to continue fighting for solutions. In my first term as Delegate, I have worked hard to be a strong voice for our community and support policies that help Virginia families, such as expanding access to affordable healthcare, investing in public education, and funding sustainable infrastructure. We have made progress, but there is still more work to be done. I am committed to continuing to bring people together to deliver real change for the people of Fairfax County and Virginia. With the support of our community, I know we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The single most pressing issue facing the voters is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing voters is access to quality, affordable healthcare, including mental and reproductive healthcare. In my last term, I successfully introduced and passed a bill expanding healthcare access for disabled adults. I also supported bipartisan legislation to prevent surprise medical billing which was an important step towards lowering costs and protecting patients.

However, more work remains. I will keep fighting to lower healthcare expenses and fund more Medicaid waivers to increase access to care, especially the most vulnerable Virginians. Additionally, mental healthcare is just as critical as physical care, so I will push for universal mental health screenings in schools, better integration of mental health services into primary care, and accessible prevention tools for all communities.
We must invest in community clinics, telehealth, maternal healthcare, mental health resources, and addiction treatment services to ensure everyone can access the quality, comprehensive care they need. Healthcare is a human right, and I will work tirelessly to make it a reality for all Virginians.

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

The critical difference between myself and other candidates is my proven record of bringing people together to deliver results for Virginians. As an incumbent Delegate, I have supported and passed bipartisan legislation expanding healthcare access, funding public education, and making our government more responsive to the people’s needs.

My background as a longtime community organizer also informs my approach and legislative priorities. My record of service and community-aligned values set me apart as the candidate best positioned to represent our community. I am grateful for the trust the voters of our community have placed in me, and I humbly ask for your support to keep serving our community.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My priorities reflect a commitment to expanding equity and opportunity in our community. If re-elected, I will continue fighting for reproductive freedom, affordable and accessible healthcare, world-class public education, criminal justice reform, common sense gun safety, environmental justice, and other critical issues for working families. I am ready to continue working on both democratic and bipartisan legislation to deliver results that improve the lives of Virginians. With your support, I will continue being an effective voice for the issues that matter most to our district.

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

During my tenure as a delegate, I have successfully championed causes most important to our community, including fighting for utility disconnection protections for our most vulnerable residents during the COVID pandemic, as well as introducing and passing legislation that expands support and resources for Virginians living with intellectual disabilities. I also advocated against exploitative profiteering within our correctional system that restored access to necessary amenities and privileges for incarcerated people. Additionally, I have spent many years in community and political organizing, as well as a number of nonprofits to fight voter suppression and support BIPOC communities and women to run for office. These efforts underscore my commitment to standing up for my constituents and making our government more responsive to their needs.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Being brave does not mean you are not scared. Being brave means you are scared, but you choose to act anyway."

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

My positions are not just campaign promises; they are deeply rooted in my personal experiences, values and the challenges my family has faced. I understand the struggles of working families, the importance of public education, and the urgency of affordable healthcare because I've lived through these issues.

I am a strong advocate for racial justice, and I firmly believe in listening to and uplifting all voices, especially those from historically marginalized communities. My dedication to increasing voter access, affordable housing, workers' rights, and equitable opportunities reflects my commitment to building a more just and inclusive Virginia.

I am a dedicated public servant who is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of Virginians. My campaign is about delivering real results and creating a more equitable, just, and prosperous Commonwealth for all residents.