Ralph Northam is an Eastern Shore native, a V.M.I. graduate, an Army veteran, a pediatric neurologist, Virginia’s former lieutenant governor, and, now, our new governor. He has led a life of service, contributing in many different way to society. Northam shows a true passion for public service, saying once, “They asked me if I would volunteer at the children’s hospice for one year. 18 years later, I’m still doing it. Those kids and their families have given me more than I could ever give back. They put everything in perspective.” Thousands of Virginians rushed to the polls on November 7th, giving Northam a win with 53.9% of the votes. Many say this was a huge win for Democrats nationwide and is a symbol of pushback against the Republican-dominated government.

As Virginia’s governor, Northam has promised to:

• Expand access to apprenticeships and training
• Build a school-to-work pipeline
• Break the school-to-prison pipeline
• Cut college costs
• Balance the budget
• Ensure equal pay for equal work
• Increase childcare benefits
• Ensure paid family leave
• Invest in STEAM and expand computer science
• Protect LGBTQ+ equality
• Protect women’s health
• Attract, retain, and support teachers
• Focus on development in rural Virginia
• Help veterans find work
• Ensure quality education for all Virginia’s students
• Expand access to early childhood education
• Revise the standards of learning (SOLs)
• Address climate change
• Protect the Chesapeake Bay and clean water