Little Launches Write-In Campaign For 19th District Delegate Seat

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Makya Little is launching a write-in campaign as an independent in Virginia's newly drawn 19th district in the House of Delegates. In June, Little lost a primary to represent the Democratic Party in the race.

The 19th district encompasses northern Woodbridge, Lorton, Fort Belvoir, and Mason Neck.

Little is currently suing the Virginia Department of Elections and the Democratic Party, claiming that her race was unfairly decided. She claims that the party officials allowed for voter manipulation in the race that was ultimately won by Rozia Henson.

"When I began this campaign in January 2022, I promised to be a voice for Virginia’s new 19th House District," Little said in a news release. "As I engaged with voters throughout our community, I heard how many feel frustrated that their voices have been ignored with regard to traffic and infrastructure, over-development and protection of green spaces, and a lack of educational and job opportunities."

The Republican Party has not put forward a candidate in the race. After winning the Democratic primary, Henson was originally slated to run unopposed in the general election in November.

"What blindsided me was that members and leaders within the Democratic Party would actively work to continue silencing our voices by breaking their own party rules in an effort to unilaterally decide who would be the new representative for our district," Little said.

In a lawsuit, Little claimed that she stopped receiving support from the Democratic Party once Henson entered the race. The lawsuit also claims that Henson misused his position within the Democratic Party to solicit endorsements and falsely advertised himself as the only candidate.

Patch reached out to Henson's campaign for comment, but they have not responded.

"While we continue our battle in court, I have decided to run as a write-in candidate against the Democratic nominee who has demonstrated a lack of integrity and an unwillingness to put the interests of our district before his own," Little said. "Whether you identify as an Independent, Republican or Democrat, young adult or senior citizen, Latino, Asian, Black, Indigenous or White, I commit to listening to and fighting for your best interest with transparency and integrity.”

The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 7.