Travis Nembhard wrapped up his two-part campaign kickoff with supporters packed into a local Gainesville, Virginia, restaurant on Feb. 1. The two nights were filled with celebration as supporters, prominent Democratic activists and party officials listened to Nembhard’s background of service and electoral strength.
Among the crowd in his first event in Leesburg was Mayor Kelly Burk, who introduced Nembhard.
“I had business owners, both Republicans and Democrats, calling me afterward to share how grateful they were that Travis took the time to listen to their concerns,” Mayor Burk said, referencing the tour of Downtown Leesburg the two of them completed together last week.
“I got a job working overnight at Dunkin’ Donuts, commuting 3 hours round trip each day, protecting civil rights then turning around to get home and suit up for the graveyard shift … baking donuts and bagels, washing dishes and cleaning toilets. It wasn’t easy, but it was the only way I could afford to do what I love and that has always been to help combat injustices,” said Nembhard, referring to how he made ends meet while serving as an assistant attorney general in the Civil Rights bureau.
His remarks focused on how his life’s work of public service should assure Democratic primary voters that he is someone they can trust to deliver on their Democratic values in Congress and pass legislation while also serving as a role model for future generations who don’t necessarily see themselves represented in Washington.
“It should also be noted that Northern Virginia has never had an African American, let alone a person of color represent any part of the region in Congress; and that’s something I aim to change as well,” he continued. “My sons and their generation need to know that you don’t have to look a certain way to represent your community.”
Nembhard is running for the open U.S. House seat currently represented by Jennifer Wexton. He has a background in financial economics and is a legal professional and advocate who has had experience building cases against corruption, insider trading, discrimination and fraud. He has served for years as an administrative law judge, ruling on cases that often involved consumer protection and now regulates emerging technologies in the gig economy. He is also a former candidate for Virginia’s 22nd House District where he raised over $2 million and outperformed projections in a lean Republican seat. He lives in Bristow with his wife Stephanie, a public school teacher, and their two children.
