Karen Keys-Gamarra Running For Reelection To House Of Delegates: Candidate Questionnaire

RESTON, VA — Uncertainty created by federal actions and the higher costs that have resulted from them is the single most pressing concern for voters, according to Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra (D-7th)

"Addressing these concerns will require an intense focus on the economy and costs, including job creation," she said As a member of the Finance committee, I will keep a watchful eye on proposals to address our taxes. I support measures to create a fair taxing structure. I will also collaborate with my colleagues to make sure the funding needs of House District 7 are addressed. This includes funding for our public schools, access to health care, and essential services. I will also vote for our constitutional amendments to protect our fundamental rights to vote, seek reproductive health care, and the right to marry."

Keys-Gamarra is running for reelection in the Nov. 4 general election to represent District 7 in the Virginia House of Delegates. She faces Republican challenger Cassandra Aucoin, who was a 2023 candidate for the Fairfax County School Board. Early voting began last Friday and will continue until Nov. 1.

As part of its coverage of the 2025 election, Patch has asked each of the candidates in the District 7 race to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job for which they're running. The following are Keys-Gamarra's responses.

Name

Karen Keys-Gamarra

Position Sought

Delegate

Age (as of Election Day)

65

Family: Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.

Husband Antoine, 3 adult children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're a candidate in.

No.

Education

BA Tulane University, JD Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

Occupation

Attorney @27 years of experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

Served as Planning Commissioner, At Large FCPS School Board Member, Delegate HD7 VA

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am immensely proud to have become the 2025 House of Delegates Democratic nominee for District 7. Currently, I am seeking a second term. As a serving member, I have focused on listening to my constituents and working to make sure that their voices are heard. In recent months, residents have expressed great concern for our community regarding the federal firings, violations of civil rights, cuts to federal funding, treatment of immigrants, the continuing need to protect the environment, gun safety, the need to protect public education, and more. These are weighty issues. I believe that Virginians need a strong Democratic majority in the House of Delegates to achieve maximum effectiveness for our community. I humbly ask for your vote so that I may join the ranks of other Democrats to properly serve our community.

In my first term, I collaborated with my colleagues to represent the concerns of HD7. I served as patron to eleven bills that were signed into law. In addition to lobbying my colleagues to defeat the Casino bill, I also developed legislation to end child marriage in Virginia, the first southern state to do so. This past year, I served as Chief Co-Patron on a bill to make sure mammograms and similar diagnostic exams are provided free of charge. In addition, I worked to better serve homeless students, increase public school funding, address maternal health concerns, improve gun safety, address access to justice and foster care system concerns, increase reporting of sexual assault, address environmental concerns, address affordable housing issues, support job creation and more. I also voted for all three constitutional amendments to guarantee the right to reproductive health care/ contraception, restore voting rights, and preserve the right to marry the person you love.

In addition to legislation, I also serve on the Courts, Finance and Communications, Technology and Innovation committees. These positions allow me to vet potential legislation impacting processes that protect those who have become court-involved, and vote against proposals that infringe upon our civil liberties. And I am just getting started.

In short, I am dedicated to this community and hope to earn your vote.

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

The single most pressing issue facing voters is uncertainty created by federal actions and the higher costs that have resulted. Addressing these concerns will require an intense focus on the economy and costs, including job creation. As a member of the Finance committee, I will keep a watchful eye on proposals to address our taxes. I support measures to create a fair taxing structure. I will also collaborate with my colleagues to make sure the funding needs of House District 7 are addressed. This includes funding for our public schools, access to health care, and essential services. I will also vote for our constitutional amendments to protect our fundamental rights to vote, seek reproductive health care, and the right to marry.

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

Experience. My background demonstrates a commitment to listening to and achieving results for our community. I have served on the Planning Commission, the FCPS School Board, and now, in the House of Delegates. My opponent has not served in elected office and opposes the proposed VA Constitutional Amendments.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Overall, I am focused on moving Virginia forward so that members of House District 7 continue to enjoy a safe district where each person can live within their community, work to earn a living wage, and play and experience joy. Working toward these goals will require a multi-pronged approach. First, I will continue to collaborate with local officials such as our school board and Board of Supervisors representatives. I strive to achieve strong communication with my partners so that we can be informed and equipped to address community needs. I also work to make sure I am in the community to hear our neighbors concerns.

Finally, I am currently developing a legislative agenda and look forward to hearing your ideas. Please feel free to contact me at karen@karenkeysgamarra.com.

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

As an Attorney who has been appointed or elected to various positions, I am proud to note accomplishments for my community. As a school board member, I worked on successful policy initiatives such as the revision of the capital investment process that incorporates procedures for notice to stakeholders while providing opportunities to provide feedback. I also initiated the plan to establish the John Lewis Leadership Academy, an FCPS program that is currently in its third year of operation and has been recognized for achieving greater opportunities for student growth.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

There's more than one way to do something.

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

Please let me know if you have additional questions or concerns.

Also See ...

• Competitive Economy Creates Opportunity For Everyone: District 7 Candidate Cassandra Aucoin
• Early Voting For Nov. 4 Election In Reston: What To Know
  
• Walkinshaw Claims VA’s 11th Congressional District, Keeping Seat Blue
• Stopping DOGE Job Cuts, Public Safety Top Priorities In Congressional Race