Endorsements

Micaela Pond

Teacher, Arlington Community Activist

We say we want a more progressive, more inclusive Party. Well, on June 8th, we've got a chance, Arlington! Matt Rogers is a superstar — who would be the first black person elected to our Arlington delegation in almost 150 years!

He calls himself an underdog, but if you follow along online, you know this guy rolls with the big dogs. The biggest people in the political world know about Matt and respect his point of view. That's because he doesn't just talk about it; he lives it and fights every day for candidates other than himself. I've never seen a candidate so dedicated to getting others fired up, and running. As a fellow door knocker, I’m impressed with his tenacity—1,000 doors during the final weekend of 2017 alone! And he is spot on as to progressive policy; for example treatment for non-violent drug offenders, not jail.

On June 8th, you will see me proudly wearing my Matt Rogers mask and voting for him. Join me!

Zakiya Worthey

Arlington Community Advocate & Business Owner

Here in Arlington, people believe that just because we almost always elect people from one particular political party, that we're immune from the same injustices and blind-spots that are more apparent in other communities. Matt Rogers understands from first-hand experience not only the problems that exist but has plans to address them. He gets involved in every bit of the Arlington community that he can from creating a local small business of his own; to boards; to local Democratic Party leadership, to grassroots organizing, and now as a candidate for the 47th District.

We can't just say that Black lives matter -- which they very much do. We have to elect the kind of representative leadership that Matt Rogers symbolizes because Black voices need to be heard in the General Assembly and not just from places that are overwhelmingly Black.

I'm going to be pushing everyone I know to support Matt Rogers because I know he's going to fight for what's right for all here in Arlington.

Mike Hemminger

Arlington Community Activist & Leader

I’m endorsing Matt Rogers for delegate because he is a champion for the everyday people. Now more than ever, we need bold, courageous leadership that will not shy away from doing what’s right for everyone. Systemic injustices continue to plague communities of color at alarming rates.

Inclusion and Equity cannot just be buzz words that make us feel good when we hear them from our elected officials. As a community, we must also expect to see those values in action… every day. Matt has never wavered in his fight for what is right, and I know he will continue that fight until liberty and justice for all ring true for every one of us.

Tilly Blanding

Member, SEIU 512 & Former Candidate for HD-42 (2017)

Rarely do we get candidates with the pre-existing combination of skills that Matt Rogers brings to the table. On day one, Matt has the experience not only to serve, but to be a leader amongst the new delegates. Matt is a passionate fighter for the working class as someone who has experienced unemployment, wage theft, student loan debt, and disparate treatment in the workplace. When we get him in office, we can trust him to fight for things like repealing "Right To Work" and expanding collective bargaining. He's not just giving voice to the struggles of working people; he's stretching the ladder back down and cultivating the next generation of leaders with an eye toward true inclusion and not just feel good lip-service.

We need more champions like Matt Rogers in the House of Delegates. Help me get him in there on June 8th.

Candi Graham

Co-Founder of Women Matter, dedicated to the ratification of the ERA

Recent events have shown us that we need leaders who are willing to think creatively and act boldly, with the support of the people, to effect progress. Matt Rogers is just the leader we need. I've known Matt since 2014 when I volunteered for the Warner campaign in Richmond. As the director of the Richmond office, Matt was outgoing, capable, and quick with his response to any question. Everyone liked working with Matt.

Since that time, Matt has authored legislation to allow people to register to vote at the DMV, helped organize the largest single-year voter registration drive in VA history, established a political consulting firm to assist candidates new to the process, and added 50,000 followers on Twitter as @Politidope, leading the resistance to Trump's Republican Party. Matt is a relentless organizer and team player, having recruited candidates for 141 of the 141 state legislative seats in Florida, this year.

Matt's experience, character, and progressive, grassroots leadership is precisely what we need in the Virginia House of Delegates.

James M. Williams, Jr.

Secretary, Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt Democratic Club & Former Chief of Staff for Congressman John Lewis

As one of the former Chief-of-Staffs to civil rights icon John Lewis and a top legislative aide to five other Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, I have certainly been able to witness, up close-and-personal, what moral courage looks like. I know what perseverance, dedication and service to others looks like.

For four years, Matthew Rogers put in the work for the people of Virginia by organizing people of all races, ethnicities and genders to change Virginia into a state that makes all of America proud. His hard work - canvassing the entire state, registering voters and educating people about the ballot – will continue when he is elected Virginia’s Delegate of the 47th District. Not only do I endorse Matt’s candidacy, I hope you will join me to contribute and volunteer to make this victory happen for the people of Virginia!

Jennifer Taub

Law Professor, MSNBC & CNN Frequent Guest

Matt Rogers is a dream candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates. He is smart, experienced and a nationally-recognized champion for progressive causes. Matt supports expanding automatic voter registration, clearing records for non-violent drug offenses, requiring universal police body cams, and if elected, Rogers would be the first African American elected to the General Assembly from Arlington since Reconstruction. That is just shocking to me.

It's long past time to retire the nearly 12 year incumbent who has spent a decade being very successful in getting himself re-elected, but not much else. That is the opposite of what Matt Rogers represents as a public figure. Matt is a selfless team-player who takes on additional responsibility and does the little things for his teammates to put them in position to succeed. The next leader for Virginia's 47th District is Matt Rogers.

Dana R. Fisher

Professor of Sociology, University of Maryland & Author of "American Resistance"

Matt Rogers will be a leader for progressive social change in Virginia’s 47th. He brings his unique blend of knowledge and experience working both inside and outside of political institutions in Virginia and around the US to get the work done.

I have been extremely impressed with Matt over the past few years and I am confident that he will apply his vitality and energy to a number of issues that are priorities for progressives, including through his visionary plan for addressing the climate crisis in a way that will put the community on a more sustainable path that supports frontline communities and leaves no one behind. Matt represents the promise of the future of democratic politics in Virginia.

Flo Ketner

Former Democratic Nominee, VA HD-07 (2017) & VA SD-29 (2019)

I am proud to endorse Matt Rogers' run for the Virginia House of Delegates.

Matt is the kind of guy we need more of in positions of power -- who empathizes, connects with, and can speak to a new generation of voters. I also know from firsthand experience the kind of party leader that he already is and he has the potential to be once elected. During 2019, when no one connected to positions of power would hear me out or return my calls to discuss my longshot candidacy for the Virginia Senate, Matt was always there. He cheered me on and gave me inspiration to continue to knock, to fundraise, and to keep the faith despite the uphill battle. He inspired me in letting me know that although my candidacy was a long-shot, the work I was doing would help hold my opponent's dollars at bay and help our Party win both the House and Senate. He was right. He was also right when he pushed me to continue with my work to hear the unheard and to remind them of their right to voice their needs. He said, "how else would we truly understand the needs of the people?"

Matt already knows the players in Richmond and how to get things done; he already knows how to get a message out better than anyone else who works there, but he will also add some much-needed youth and diversity to the General Assembly. We can't just chant and post about black lives mattering. We, especially non-black people, must promote qualified black voices if we really believe in what we say we do. Please join me in supporting Matt Rogers' campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates!

Herb Jones

Former U.S. Army Colonel & Former Democratic Nominee, VA SD-03 (2019)

Today I am proud to announce my endorsement of Matt Rogers' candidacy for the House of Delegates.

Right now in our politics, there are far too many individuals in positions of power simply to have the power and not to actually do anything with it. Matt is the opposite of that kind of person. His passion is palpable the minute you meet him. He's a tireless activist, lawmaker, and progressive thought leader that the Commonwealth and the progressive movement is fortunate to have on our side. I am also endorsing Matt because of his understanding of where we need to go in regards to cannabis policy. He understands better than anyone in the General Assembly the path we need to travel — not only to legalize the adult use of cannabis, but to craft our industry to best fit the needs of patients. He's been the driving force behind this growing industry for years and now it's time to have him in a position to be able to push the General Assembly to the place that we need to be from inside of the House Chamber.

I have been very careful with the endorsements I have offered, but when I heard Matt was running, I couldn't think of someone more deserving of my support. He was there for me in my race against former Senate Majority Leader, Tommy Norment, and now I'm asking you to be there for him.

Sarah Duska 

Democratic Political Strategist 

I can say with certainty that Matt will bring energy, compassion, and experience to the 47th House of Delegates district and the Commonwealth of Virginia state legislature. Matt knocked thousands of doors and talked to hundreds of voters, helping us flip the House of Delegates in 2019. He has always put in the work and is unafraid to stand up for what is right.

Rory Fleming

National Criminal Justice Strategist

Matt envisions a justice system that treats people like people, instead of needlessly wasting years of people’s lives behind bars. And he fights with an earnestness that brings people of all perspectives to the table, which is crucial if we are going to end mass incarceration within our lifetime.

Vidya R. Battu

Arlington Healthcare Attorney and Consultant

I am proud to endorse Matt Rogers as our next Commonwealth Delegate for the 47th.  Matt brings with him a wealth of knowledge on local and regional politics. Matt will also bring a much needed representation of minorities to the General Assembly.

His passion is and advocacy is unparalleled to help those that are mass incarcerated, disabled, and unhoused. Vote for Matt on June 8th!

Brittany Oliver

Founder, Not Without Black Women

Representation matters. That’s why I am proud to endorse Matt Rogers for Virginia's 47th District. Matt’s dedication to make a difference in his district will bring diversity and new leadership. A smart, young progressive, Matt clearly knows his way about the Virginia General Assembly and is very passionate about criminal justice reform, decriminalization of marijuana, tax reform and building the economy for all. Not to mention, but Matt also understands the importance of supporting and uplifting Black women who   

In 2020 and beyond, it is important for our governments to be reflective of the people they represent. We need to elect more leaders who will advocate for progressive values now and for the next 30 years. We know that women and people of color are making gains, which is why transformational local candidates are key to building progressive power and making progressive change. And getting elected and serving successfully in local office is often the first step to higher office, which makes the case for why electing Matt Rogers into the Virginia House of Delegates 47th District is a step in the right direction. 

Virginia PawsitiVAty Initiative

Matt’s experience in the General Assembly building will serve him and his constituents well as Delegate. He listens, researches, asks tough questions, and then advocates with his colleagues, and reaches across the aisle to find consensus. Matt truly cares about our Commonwealth and fighting to move it forward in a positive direction where everyone is accounted for and represented. If Virginia wants real change in our future, including in the animal advocacy arena, it is time for new leadership.

It is time for leaders who put people, animal welfare, community, and equity for all above special interest. Matt Rogers would be a win for Virginia, and we are so pleased to endorse him and thank him for running for the House of Delegates in the 47th district.

Coda Rayo-Garza

Researcher, Advocate, Former Democratic Candidate: TX HD-125 (2019)

Democracy works best when a diversity of voices is represented. Now more than ever, Matt's voice matters. Matt will bring to the forefront economic, social and racial justice policies that will address the disparities that have plagued this country for centuries.

Change starts with believing. Believe in Matt.

Angie Nixon

Representative, Florida HD-14 (2020)

Times like these require leaders to step up and out of their comfort zones to make things happen. That's exactly what Matt Rogers did last year during my campaign for Florida House in 2020. While the Party establishment was satisfied to allow the incumbent candidate with whom I shared the ballot to be re-elected -- despite her history and her continued pattern of right-wing behavior, Matt was not.

Matt used his talents to change the trajectory of my election -- which brought me national attention. Now, I am a Florida representative and I'm endorsing Matt Rogers because public service is about what you can do for others. Matt certainly did a lot for me as he did for a lot of candidates in Florida during 2020. That's the kind leadership that any state would benefit from.

Adam Christensen

2020 Democratic Nominee, FL CD-03 (2020)

Matt is a warrior; I don't think there's any other way to put it. He does not back down from challenges, and he isn’t afraid to experiment and find better ways to do what needs to be done. He does the work and at the end of the day that is the only thing that matters.

I am excited that he is running for office because his focus is on people. That kind of energy and passion is inspiring. Especially when it is focused on making people’s lives better. I can’t wait to see what he will do in office!