Meet Francis
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I'm a resident of Weems in Lancaster County, Virginia, a former political activist, and passionate about health care, human rights, job creation, the environment, and education.
I'm running for Virginia's House of Delegates in the 99th District because I want to fight to keep our waterways and land a source of livelihood for our children's future and for our economy. |
Showing Up For You
Francis Edwards Condemns Hate Crimes and the Elected Officials Who Support Them
Weems, VA – In response to the actions of the white supremacist group in Charlottesville, VA on August 12th, Edwards said, “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of yesterday’s violence in Charlottesville. There is absolutely no place in public office for anyone associated with and who will not disavow the White Nationalists, the KKK, or any group that perpetrates hate and bigotry.” Francis Edwards is the Democratic candidate for Delegate in Virginia’s 99th district and faces incumbent Margaret Ransone in the November 7, 2017 election.
Be a Sign Supporter!
A member of the King George Huddle helps out with a 4'x8' sign
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The yard signs you asked for have arrived! We need your support by displaying a yard sign (please contact your local Democratic Committee, Huddle, or Indivisible group or send an email to me). There are plenty for all, a veritable forest!
We would also appreciate your support financially. Each yard sign costs $2.35 and you can choose your level of support to help cover the cost: 10 signs: $23.50 20 signs: $47.00 30 signs: $70.50 40 signs: $94.00 We also have jumbo-sized, 4’ by 8’ signs (shown in the photo)! 1 sign: $60.00 2 signs: $120.00 |
Volunteer Training July 22 and August 9
Now is your chance to make a difference! The key to winning in November is getting people motivated to go to the polls and vote. Studies show time after time that the best way to get people motivated to vote is through one-on-one conversations. We will supply training, materials, and tips for a successful experience.
Become an Edwards 99er by volunteering 9 hours between now and election day, November 7, 2017.
Northumberland County:
Join Tanya Mitchell, Northumberland County Volunteer Coordinator for the Francis Edwards for Delegate Campaign.
Contact Tanya: 804-580-0955
Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017
Time: 10 am to Noon
Location: Mallard Bay Community Center Clubhouse, 803 Mallard Bay Drive, Heathsville, VA 22473.
Lancaster County:
Join Deputy Campaign Manager Cyrus Jett to learn how to canvass door-to-door or assist with driving and phone banking.
Contact Cyrus: 804-577-7476
Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017
Time: Noon to 2 pm.
Location: Lancaster Community Library, 16 Town Centre Dr., Kilmarnock, VA
King George County:
Join Jenna Villforth Veazey, King George County Volunteer Coordinator for the Francis Edwards for Delegate Campaign.
Contact Jenna: jennavvz@gmail.com
Date: Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Location: L. E. Smoot Memorial Library, 9533 Kings Highway, King George
Become an Edwards 99er by volunteering 9 hours between now and election day, November 7, 2017.
Northumberland County:
Join Tanya Mitchell, Northumberland County Volunteer Coordinator for the Francis Edwards for Delegate Campaign.
Contact Tanya: 804-580-0955
Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017
Time: 10 am to Noon
Location: Mallard Bay Community Center Clubhouse, 803 Mallard Bay Drive, Heathsville, VA 22473.
Lancaster County:
Join Deputy Campaign Manager Cyrus Jett to learn how to canvass door-to-door or assist with driving and phone banking.
Contact Cyrus: 804-577-7476
Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017
Time: Noon to 2 pm.
Location: Lancaster Community Library, 16 Town Centre Dr., Kilmarnock, VA
King George County:
Join Jenna Villforth Veazey, King George County Volunteer Coordinator for the Francis Edwards for Delegate Campaign.
Contact Jenna: jennavvz@gmail.com
Date: Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Location: L. E. Smoot Memorial Library, 9533 Kings Highway, King George
Let's do this!!
Things are Heating Up! / July 13-16
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On Thursday night, I attended the AFL-CIO candidate workshop in Richmond. This intense, fast-paced workshop featured a variety of presenters who each had two minutes to present information about issues important to unions. I am joined in the photo by Doris Crouse-Mays, President of the VA AFL-CIO and six of my fellow candidates running for the House of Delegates.
At the AFL-CIO Workshop, Richmond
Friday night, I attended the Northern Neck Baptist Women’s Missionary and Educational Commission annual fellowship banquet in Montross. Sister Meta T. Sampson delivered an inspired and motivational message. It was an honor to be there to support this worthwhile endeavor.
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Sunday, I traveled to Reston to attend a summit conducted by Win Virginia. WinVA is a new PAC with the immediate goal of helping win a Democratic majority in the Virginia State House in 2017. Tom Perriello, who ran for the Democratic nomination for the office of Governor in June, has recently joined as CEO.
Mark Herring at the WinVA Summit
The intense six and a half hours of presentations covered a variety of topics important to running a successful campaign. Ralph Northam, Democratic candidate for Governor, sent a video message. Justin Fairfax, candidate for Lt. Governor and Mark Herring, candidate for Attorney General attended the summit and made introductory remarks. The summit ended with a donor meet and greet. I had the opportunity to pitch to key individuals about why attention should be paid to and investment made in District 99.
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Tanya Mitchell and Donna Dowling
While I was in Reston, my wife Donna represented me at the Northumberland Indivisible meeting to introduce Tanya Mitchell, who has come on board as the campaign volunteer coordinator in Northumberland County. Tanya has jumped in with both feet and is beginning to train volunteers this upcoming weekend! We know her energy and organization will be a real asset in the coming months.
Mother Nature did cooperate several days last week so I could go door to door and speak one on one with voters about why I am running for the House of Delegates. As I listen to voters and their concerns, it is even more evident to me that there is a real thirst for someone to represent the voice of everyone, not just some, in the 99th. While the issues and the need are serious, there are also those moments that can’t be experienced just anywhere. The corn is high and while the chicken and turkey were a bit shy, I do think I made a favorable impression!
Mother Nature did cooperate several days last week so I could go door to door and speak one on one with voters about why I am running for the House of Delegates. As I listen to voters and their concerns, it is even more evident to me that there is a real thirst for someone to represent the voice of everyone, not just some, in the 99th. While the issues and the need are serious, there are also those moments that can’t be experienced just anywhere. The corn is high and while the chicken and turkey were a bit shy, I do think I made a favorable impression!
July 4th Weekend
 King George Huddle
The campaign started the extended July 4 holiday weekend Friday night with a trip to King George to meet with the King George Huddle. These folks are fired up and ready to get busy doing the work needed to get out the vote for the November election!
Saturday morning the campaign headed to the monthly Irvington Farmers Market and joined the Lancaster County Democratic Committee at their tent. The July market is always a huge event so it was a great opportunity to speak with voters and sign up some volunteer help. Saturday afternoon the campaign headed to Reedville in Northumberland for the popular Hometown Parade. It was fun to have my 2000 Chevy S10 all decked out for the celebration! Thanks to the volunteers who helped, from driving the truck so I could walk the parade route and meet voters to keeping the parade candy and American flags ready to hand out. Thank you, BJ, for taking time out from your other holiday weekend duties to keep us company along most of the route! There were lots of friendly faces and everyone was ready to celebrate Independence Day! 
The Edwards Chevy for July 4th!
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Because one parade just isn’t enough to celebrate the July 4th holiday, the campaign participated in the Irvington Hometown Parade. We marched with 3 additional vehicles decorated by members of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee, so it was quite the presence on the parade route! You may have noticed the 2000 Chevy S10 wasn’t the only one in “parade finest” wear! Volunteers were sporting the limited edition Edwards for Delegate Americana t-shirts and other creative holiday accessories! Fortunately, we ran out of candy and American flags about the same time as the parade route. A big Thank You to volunteers Tanya B, Tanya M, Denzel, Wayne, Dave, Terri, and Leah who came out to help staff members Sam and Cyrus — you wore the shirts well!
Irvington Hometown Parade
Many years ago, I followed my dream to America and became a citizen of this great country. Walking in the parades and enthusiastically waving to the crowds was a reminder to me that every generation must do its part to ensure our democracy continues, and that it continues for all our citizens, not just some. Now is the time for action. Our best efforts are necessary to ensure that our “unalienable Rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” are secured for future generations.
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Meet Vicki and Gus
In the early days of the campaign these two came forward and asked, “What can we do help?” The campaign needed seed money to mount a primary race and they agreed to host our first fundraiser. This successful event played a key role in the victory on Tuesday.
Now I am asking you to join them in helping us with the financial resources that will be needed to mount a vigorous campaign against an incumbent who has been unchallenged in the last two elections.
As I have been with my personal finances, I promise to be a good steward with the money you entrust to me.
By planning ahead, I will be able to make value added purchases of material and supplies. I also know that it is always good to plan for the unexpected, to be ready to jump on an opportunity that will give us an edge in November. Planning for the expected and the unexpected is a skill that has served me well in both my business career and personal life. I will bring that skill to running a winning campaign.
Now is the time to start the ball rolling with the printing of election materials which include handouts, brochures, and yard signs for the November election. These are key and critical elements that can lead to a change on election day.
Remember: We can win! Only 3.3 out of 10 people voted for the incumbent. Today 6 out of 10 want a change in representation.
So now I am asking you to help me with the money needed to secure that victory. Every dollar counts, and we are grateful for every donation, no matter the amount. Make a contribution, make a difference.
Or, if you prefer, mail a check made out to “Edwards for Delegate” and send to P.O. Box 67, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
Interested in hosting a fund raiser? Our campaign staff will be happy to help you plan an event—send us an email for more information. Fund raising events are a great opportunity to meet supporters as well as raise funds.
Now I am asking you to join them in helping us with the financial resources that will be needed to mount a vigorous campaign against an incumbent who has been unchallenged in the last two elections.
As I have been with my personal finances, I promise to be a good steward with the money you entrust to me.
By planning ahead, I will be able to make value added purchases of material and supplies. I also know that it is always good to plan for the unexpected, to be ready to jump on an opportunity that will give us an edge in November. Planning for the expected and the unexpected is a skill that has served me well in both my business career and personal life. I will bring that skill to running a winning campaign.
Now is the time to start the ball rolling with the printing of election materials which include handouts, brochures, and yard signs for the November election. These are key and critical elements that can lead to a change on election day.
Remember: We can win! Only 3.3 out of 10 people voted for the incumbent. Today 6 out of 10 want a change in representation.
So now I am asking you to help me with the money needed to secure that victory. Every dollar counts, and we are grateful for every donation, no matter the amount. Make a contribution, make a difference.
Or, if you prefer, mail a check made out to “Edwards for Delegate” and send to P.O. Box 67, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
Interested in hosting a fund raiser? Our campaign staff will be happy to help you plan an event—send us an email for more information. Fund raising events are a great opportunity to meet supporters as well as raise funds.
THANK YOU To Our Volunteers
Today I want to take time to acknowledge the hard work and support from some folks who have worked tirelessly on my campaign, folks who have been on board from the very early days and helped us get to where we are now.
Meet Elizabeth and Larry
One look at a behind the scenes photo of the office “chaos” and they said, “we can help with that!’ And help they have! We call this team the Mailroom Coordinators. They organized, sorted, and made timed test runs to determine the resources needed to make a big primary voting mailing push. Based on their work we were able to organize teams such as the one pictured below to help get out the mailing. Thank you, Elizabeth and Larry, for juggling your schedule to get the job done and finding the hiccups to make sure the follow up staff had smooth sailing. Thank you too for not only getting the job done on time, but ahead of schedule. We are grateful for your hard work and thankful you signed up to volunteer for the Edwards for Delegate campaign! |
Meet Carol
We call Carol, “Can Do Carol” because when you ask for help her reply is “I can do that!” By training, her skills are communications and public relations, but she is also quick to fill in wherever needed, whether manning the welcome table at a fund raising event or stuffing envelopes. She also bakes legendary cookies, so work sessions are just a bit sweeter. Carol joined the volunteer team about one minute after the filing for office paperwork was submitted, and her support and encouraging words helped get the campaign up and running. Thank you, Carol, for your “can do” spirit and for volunteering for the Edwards for Delegate Campaign. |
Endorsements
Francis with Diane Waltrip
Diane Waltrip, long-time Democratic activist in Westmoreland County, is endorsing Francis Edwards for Delegate in the Northern Neck’s 99th District.
“For over twenty years I helped elect Democrats in the Northern Neck and served nearly ten years as County Chair among other positions,” stated Waltrip. “In addition to managing winning campaigns, I trained Democrats to manage their campaigns.”
Waltrip spent ten years working at the General Assembly as the Legislative Aide to members of the House. “I feel I have inside knowledge of what it takes to be a successful legislator,” she stated.
Waltrip met with both candidates individually for lengthy conversations regarding their campaigns. “While my politics are of like mind with each candidate, I am compelled to endorse Francis Edwards for the 99th House of Delegate Seat occupied by Margaret Ransone. “Edwards has a solid grasp of the legislative process. He has studied Ransone’s bills and is prepared to debate her,” Waltrip stated.
“His English upbringing makes him ever so polite and terminally reasonable. But fear not. As a marathon runner, he can focus and stay in the game. He has a campaign organization up and running and he has been traveling the 99th listening to voters,” stated Waltrip.
“For over twenty years I helped elect Democrats in the Northern Neck and served nearly ten years as County Chair among other positions,” stated Waltrip. “In addition to managing winning campaigns, I trained Democrats to manage their campaigns.”
Waltrip spent ten years working at the General Assembly as the Legislative Aide to members of the House. “I feel I have inside knowledge of what it takes to be a successful legislator,” she stated.
Waltrip met with both candidates individually for lengthy conversations regarding their campaigns. “While my politics are of like mind with each candidate, I am compelled to endorse Francis Edwards for the 99th House of Delegate Seat occupied by Margaret Ransone. “Edwards has a solid grasp of the legislative process. He has studied Ransone’s bills and is prepared to debate her,” Waltrip stated.
“His English upbringing makes him ever so polite and terminally reasonable. But fear not. As a marathon runner, he can focus and stay in the game. He has a campaign organization up and running and he has been traveling the 99th listening to voters,” stated Waltrip.
