Aaron Rouse Fundraising Number Sets Record
VIRGINIA BEACH — Virginia Beach Councilman, and former Green Bay Packer and NY Giant, Aaron Rouse has released his first fundraising report for his State Senate campaign. Rouse is running for the Virginia Senate in district 22 — this is a politically competitive area that tends to lean red. But with changing districts and contentious politics shifting the will of the voters, races in Virginia Beach are hard to predict.
If elected to the Virginia Senate, Rouse, who is also a Hokie, would be the first African American in the Senate from Virginia Beach.
“Since the launch, the Rouse for Senate campaign raised more than $130,000 with more than $101,000 cash on hand. This is the most money raised by a Democratic State Senate candidate in the history of Virginia Beach at this point in the campaign cycle,” a statement from Rouse’ campaign declared on July 15.
Today, Rouse was in Virginia Beach in support of Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-Va.) who is in a tight race with Republican State Senator Jennifer Kiggans. Luria drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 60 supporters for a canvas kickoff that featured U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland. The long time leader of the House Democrats made four political stops in the area. Last week, U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn was in the area supporting Luria. The stops are a sign that national Democrats realize the importance of keeping Luria’s set blue heading in to the midterm elections in November to maintain control of their slim four seat margin.
Rouse’s fundraising numbers are a good sign for Democrats generally and are part of a narrative that follows impressive numbers announced by Luria as well. Rouse has received more than 200 contributions and over 88% of that support is from donors in Virginia.
Aaron Rouse said the following regarding his first financial report, “I’m deeply humbled by the support our campaign has received from across the community and Commonwealth since we launched our campaign a few short months ago. I believe the citizens of our city are looking for their next State Senator to usher in a new generation of leadership to work hard every day to deliver results for our community. We are building a grassroots campaign connected by a shared vision for our Commonwealth. I know what it takes to run and win tough elections in our city and look forward to carrying this momentum forward to Election Day.”
“The stakes of protecting and expanding our Democratic majority in the Virginia Senate could not be higher,” said Ryan Jackson, campaign manager for Rouse for Senate. “With his first fundraising report, Aaron has clearly shown his ability to raise the necessary funds to build a campaign that can win this toss-up district, support Congresswoman Luria’s re-election campaign and local candidates in Virginia Beach in 2022, and protect our Democratic majority in the State Senate in 2023. He is well positioned as the strongest candidate to win this district and expand the electorate in Virginia Beach.”
Rouse has built up an unmatched and extensive coalition of supporters including endorsements from Congressman Donald McEachin, Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas, Senator Lionell Spruill, Senator Lynwood Lewis, Delegate Marcia Price, Delegate Cliff Hayes, Former Delegate Nancy Guy, and Virginia Beach Councilman Guy Tower.