Phil Hernandez

Phil is running while Virginia is at a crossroads moment. Many of the most important fundamental rights are under attack at this moment: reproductive rights, voting rights, worker rights, and environmental rights, just to name a few. This is not the kind of Virginia that Phil wants to live in or the kind of Virginia he wants his daughters to grow up in. The vast majority of people in Virginia – including in his district – want their elected officials to fix problems they care about, including supporting public education, lowering the cost of living, and reducing gun violence in their communities. That's why he’s in this race: to protect key rights and champion everyday families' needs. 

Phil has deep roots in this area. He was born and raised in Hampton Roads, attended local public schools, and became the first in his family to graduate from college (and a proud W&M alumnus). From there, he served in President Obama's White House for several years, worked as a civil rights attorney, is a nonprofit executive in Norfolk, and serves on the Board of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. Phil is ready to serve. As an advocate over the last few years, he has helped pass laws to increase Virginia's minimum wage, lower taxes for working families, and support public schools.

Following the Dobbs decision, he has vocally supported the need to defend reproductive freedom. He is the father of two girls and does not want them to grow up in a world with fewer rights. He has always been and will be a champion of reproductive freedom. He is also committed to supporting quality education for all children, promoting inclusivity, protecting the environment and endorsing clean energy, and expanding access to quality, affordable health care.