Higher Heights For America Announces Official Endorsement of Hala Ayala Alongside Virginia Governor “Race to Watch”

BROOKLYN (March 30, 2021) – Higher Heights for America, the only national organization exclusively dedicated to electing more Black women to public office, is announcing its official endorsement of Hala S. Ayala in her race for the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. 

Currently representing the 51st District in the Virginia House of Delegates, Hala S. Ayala possesses over 20 years of cybersecurity experience protecting America’s information systems from threats. A specialist with the Department of Homeland Security, she has also demonstrated her commitment to issues that impact women through her service on Governor Terry McAuliffe’s Council on Women and leadership in organizing the first Women’s March in Washington, DC. 

Today, Higher Heights for America also names the Virginia Governor election as an official “Race to Watch.” Both candidates, Jennifer Caroll Foy and Jennifer McClellan, are distinguished Black women with notable political experience, either of whom will become the first female governor in Virginia and the first Black female governor in the United States. 

One of the first Black women to graduate from the Virginia Military Institute, Foy has served as a magistrate judge and public defender, proving to be a steadfast advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment in Virginia, as well as legislation to expand Medicaid and combat the teacher shortage across the state. McClellan has over 14 years of legislative experience, serving as the Virginia State Senator since 2017. She is a vocal advocate for our youth, leading towards a more equitable future by strengthening our public schools and building a strong economy that will not leave anyone behind.

Higher Heights’ President Glynda C. Carr is available for interview to discuss why Higher Heights is advocating for Ayala in her campaign for elected office and to provide insight on the candidates running for office in Virginia.