State Sen. Adam P. Ebbin made it official Saturday afternoon, kicking off his campaign for Congress surrounded by supporters at a restaurant in Alexandria. Ebbin is one of 11 Democrats seeking to represent Virginia's 8th congressional District. Longtime Congressman Jim Moran announced his retirement from Congress earlier this year.
Ebbin, 50, currently represents Virginia's 30th District in the Virginia Assembly; the district includes parts of the City of Alexandria and Arlington and Fairfax counties. He took office in January 2012 after taking nearly 65 percent of the vote in November 2011. Ebbin had won a tight Democratic primary on August 23, 2011 beating Democrats (now Arlington County Board Member) Libby Garvey and (now Virginia Del.) Rob Krupicka. Previously he served eight years as a delegate in the General Assembly.
Among those in the crowd Saturday were Patsy Ticer (a former Alexandria mayor and Virginia senator, who used to represent Ebbin's current district), Del. Mark Sickles (who recently announced he was dropping out of the congressional race), Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross, Alexandria School Board Member Arthur Peabody, Arlington School Board Member James S. Lander, and former Alexandria School Board Member Eileen Cassidy Rivera.
“I am proud to endorse Adam Ebbin for Congress," Ticer said recently in a statement endorsing Ebbin. "Adam is a proven legislator and a staunch defender of a women’s right to choose and equal pay. Adam understands the value of early childhood education so every child has the opportunity to succeed. Over the many years I have known Adam I have been delighted to watch him grow from a local advocate into a leader in the General Assembly. I have no doubt that Adam will serve the 8th Congressional District proudly and be the progressive champion we need,” said Ticer.
Ticer served in the Virginia Senate from 1996 to 2011 and as mayor of Alexandria from 1991 to 1996. During her time in the Senate she was an advocate for the welfare of children, women’s rights and environmental conservation.
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“I am honored to be endorsed by Senator Ticer,” said Ebbin in a statement. “She has been a longtime friend and mentor. Patsy’s support for my campaign shows the incredible reception we have received since announcing my candidacy. Northern Virginia needs a proven advocate in Washington, and Senator Ticer knows I will be that voice."
Ebbin kicked off his campaign Saturday at Los Tios Grill, a Tex-Mex and Salvadorean restaurant at 2615 Mount Vernon Ave. in Del Ray.The Democratic primary is June 10.
Also read:
- Alexandrians Mark Levine, Derek Hyra Enter Race for Congress
- Community Leader Lavern Chatman Enters Congressional Race
- State Sen. Adam Ebbin Announces Run for Congress
- Charniele Herring Enters Race for Congress
- Sickles Joins Growing List of Democrats Seeking 8th Congressional District Nod
- Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille Enters Congressional Race
- Patrick Hope Launches Congressional Campaign
- Report: Don Beyer to Enter Race for Congress
- After Jim Moran: Awaiting a Swarm of Potential Successors
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