FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kendl Kobbervig, Clean Virginia Advocacy and Communication Director
(608) 575-8798 | [email protected]
June 17, 2025
Clean Virginia Statement on Jay Jones’ and Senator Ghazala Hashmi’s Historic Primary Victories as Virginians Reject Dominion Influence
RICHMOND — Clean Virginia proudly congratulates Jay Jones and Senator Ghazala Hashmi on their victories in Virginia’s Democratic primary elections for attorney general and lieutenant governor. Jones, a proven champion for lower energy bills, consumer protection, and environmental health, ran a campaign grounded in integrity and public service. Hashmi, a longtime advocate for clean energy and transparent government, has consistently fought for everyday Virginians.
In a defining moment, voters overwhelmingly rejected more than $1.3 million in campaign spending from Dominion Energy, including the largest political contribution ever made by a regulated utility in a statewide election. This level of utility spending would be illegal in 45 other states, where laws prohibit or restrict corporate campaign contributions.
Jones and Hashmi join gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger in making history. For the first time, Virginia voters have selected a full statewide ticket of candidates who refuse contributions from regulated utility monopolies.
“It’s a new day in Virginia,” said Brennan Gilmore, executive director of Clean Virginia. “Despite unprecedented utility monopoly spending, voters chose leaders who stood firmly against corporate abuse. This is a powerful rebuke of the status quo and a clear mandate for bold, accountable leadership.”
Clean Virginia proudly endorses Senator Hashmi for lieutenant governor and looks forward to working with her and Jay Jones to fight for fair utility rates, strong environmental protections, and a government that prioritizes working families over corporate interests.
“We have long known that the people of Virginia want reform. Tonight, they demanded it,” said Gilmore. “This victory proves that even in the face of historic political spending from a state-regulated utility, grassroots power and principled leadership can prevail.”
Clean Virginia also extends its deep thanks to Senator Aaron Rouse for running a hard-fought campaign that elevated critical issues and inspired voters across the commonwealth. His leadership and dedication to public service continue to strengthen Virginia’s future.
Clean Virginia remains committed to advancing campaign finance reform, including strong contribution limits and ethics rules, to ensure that no corporation can wield outsized power in Virginia’s elections.
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Clean Virginia is a nonpartisan advocacy nonprofit with an affiliated political action committee, the Clean Virginia Fund. Clean Virginia works to end utility monopoly corruption in politics to promote clean, affordable energy and a government that works for all Virginians.