MEET VANESSA
Vanessa Cárdenas is a respected leader and community advocate with decades of experience fighting for working families.
As the first in her family to graduate from college and a longtime Fairfax City resident, she understands the challenges and opportunities facing Virginia families—and she has dedicated her career to expanding access, equity, and opportunity for all.
Issues
Building Affordable Communities Where Everyone Can Thrive
Investing in
World-Class Education
I know what it's like to stretch a paycheck to cover rent, scramble to afford childcare, and help family members caught between housing costs and medical bills. These aren't just policy issues to me—they're personal. Every Virginian who works hard deserves a fair shot at a good life, I will fight for:
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A living wage that actually covers the cost of living — because full-time work should mean financial stability, not choosing between groceries and rent
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Affordable housing that keeps families in our community— so teachers, nurses, and service workers can afford to live where they work
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Accessible childcare and paid family leave— because parents shouldn't have to sacrifice their careers to care for their children
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Quality healthcare— because no one should go bankrupt from getting sick
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The right to organize and collectively bargain— because workers deserve a real voice in their wages and working conditions
As a proud product of Virginia public schools and George Mason University, and as a parent of two Fairfax City public school graduates, I've seen firsthand how quality education transforms lives. Every child in our community deserves schools that unlock their potential—whether they're headed to college, a career, the military, or skilled trades. I will fight for:
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Full funding for our public schools – no more asking teachers to do more with less
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Competitive teacher pay and support – to end our teacher shortage and retain great educators
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Expanded workforce training programs – creating clear pathways to good-paying careers
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Strong support for our public higher education institutions – Ensuring that George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College and other public higher education institutions – provide affordable and world-class higher education.
Protecting Our Rights and Building Safe Communities
Preserving Virginia's Natural Heritage
Safety means more than just security—it means knowing one feels safe in their homes and neighborhoods and that our rights are protected. I believe in the fundamental American promise that everyone deserves equal rights under the law and in our Virginia values of diversity and inclusion. That's not negotiable. I will protect ALL Virginians and fight to:
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Defend our democracy and protect voting rights – because democracy only works when everyone can participate
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Common-sense gun safety measures— to keep our schools, neighborhoods, and families safe
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Reproductive freedom— because healthcare decisions belong to individuals, not politicians
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Marriage equality— because love is love, and all families deserve recognition and protection
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Supporting our first responders— with the resources and respect they deserve
From hiking trails to parks, Virginia's natural beauty has given my family countless memories. But these resources are under threat. Climate change and other environmental challenges are affecting our communities now. We must act decisively to protect what we have and build a sustainable future. I will fight for:
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Smart, sustainable development – balancing growth with environmental protection
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Clean energy jobs – bringing good-paying careers to Virginia through offshore wind, solar, and renewable energy innovation
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Clean water and reduced pollution – protecting the health of our families and ecosystems
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Preserving our parks and green spaces – so future generations can enjoy what we've loved