Ebbin Kicks Off Campaign for State Senate

Delegate Adam Ebbin (D-49) officially kicked off his campaign for the Virginia State Senate in Old Town Alexandria on Sunday afternoon.

The event brought a packed house of constituents, delegates, and other politicos to the Alexandria Black History Museum on Wythe Street. As supporters mingled and enjoyed refreshments and finger food, Arlington Commissioner of Revenue Ingrid Morroy performed with her band, The Constituents. The group of seven, including Morroy's sister, played a variety of music, ranging from African style songs to oldies covers.

After an introduction from Delegate Patrick Hope (D-47), Ebbin thanked his supporters and gave a short speech. He began with an anecdote about retiring Senator Patricia Ticer whose seat Ebbin is vying for. He thanked Ticer for her service not only to his delegate campaign but to the 30th district.

In his speech Ebbin touted his experience in the House of Delegates, highlighting his relationship with members of both parties and his ability to fight for issues important to his constituents.

"In this race, I'm the only candidate who's worked both with Richmond Republicans to deliver results for our community and to stand up against them when they are wrong," Ebbin said. "And more importantly, I believe I have the experience to know the difference."

By emphasizing his eight years in Richmond, Ebbin hoped to differentiate himself from the two other Democratic candidates in the field: Arlington School Board member Libby Garvey and Alexandria City Councilman Rob Krupicka.

"When Patsy and Senator Mary Margaret Whipple of Arlington leave the Senate, we're going to lose 32 years of combined experience," Ebbin said. "But, if you send me to the Senate, just down the hall from the House of Delgates—literally down the hall—from day one, I'm going to hit the ground running."

In addition to experience, Ebbin focused on his progressive values and concrete legislative accomplishments from his time in the House of Delegates. 

The 30th district race became more contentious last week after Garvey and Krupicka exchanged blows on the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) issue. Garvey  Krupicka for the traffic problems expected from BRAC plans to move more than six thousand Department of Defense employees—and their families— to the Mark Center in Alexandria later this year. Krupicka said Garvey's move marked an "ugly turn" in the race.

"I wasn't part of the (BRAC) problem, but I'm committed to working for the solutions as much as I can," Ebbin told Patch. When asked how this changes the race, Ebbin said, "It's up to the voters to decide."

With more than five months left until the Democratic primary on August 23, the race to replace Ticer has only begun. However, Ebbin said he's ready.

"We're just going to do whatever we need to do to build support throughout the district," Ebbin said. "This is going to be a hard fought campaign, but I'm convinced that we'll win."