Independent presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West has gained ballot access in Virginia.
“Dr. Cornel West and his running mate, Dr. Melina Abdullah, have officially secured a spot on Virginia’s presidential ballot for the 2024 election after surpassing the signature threshold required,” West’s campaign announced.
Just in: Cornel West will officially appear on the Presidential Ballot in Virginia in November. pic.twitter.com/79o88gFXpN
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) September 7, 2024
“We’re celebrating today—Virginia has officially welcomed us onto the ballot after surpassing the signature threshold! This achievement in Virginia, along with our other victories, fuels our campaign’s drive towards truth, justice, and love,” West said.
Dr. Cornel West, the independent candidate running in the 2024 presidential election, qualified for the ballot in Virginia’s general election, according to a letter sent to West’s campaign by the Virginia Department of Elections. https://t.co/TUwDqP4ZC4
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 7, 2024
Per CBS News:
Dr. Cornel West, the independent candidate running in the 2024 presidential election, qualified for the ballot in Virginia’s general election, according to a letter sent to West’s campaign by the Virginia Department of Elections.
“After review, the Department of Elections has reconsidered its decision not to qualify Drs. West and Abdullah and their names will appear on the ballot,” the letter reads of West and his running mate, Dr. Melina Abdullah.
The letter was exclusively obtained by CBS News.
The West-Abdullah campaign was previously denied ballot access by the Department of Elections after an issue with the necessary forms required for submission in the commonwealth.
With West gaining ballot access in Virginia, it’s a blow to Kamala Harris in the state Biden took in the 2020 presidential election.
A HUGE BLOW FOR KAMALA AND THE DEMOCRATS… pic.twitter.com/9Fd0FSpnpm
— Proud Elephant
(@ProudElephantUS) September 7, 2024
Virginia is in play for Trump…!
Cornel West will be appearing on the ballot, which will pull many votes from Harris.
We are working towards all 50 states by whatever legal means necessary! pic.twitter.com/jMY2H5NrtR
— Gunther Eagleman
(@GuntherEagleman) September 7, 2024
“Trump’s chances of winning Virginia just went up a lot,” DC Draino noted.
Trump’s chances of winning Virginia just went up a lot https://t.co/qfIzETClWP
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) September 7, 2024
West’s campaign will now focus on gaining ballot access in Pennsylvania, arguably the most important battleground state in the election.
Per Cornel West’s campaign website:
Edwin DeJesus, a spokesperson for the campaign, also highlighted the strategic focus ahead, remarking, “With Virginia now secured, our focus shifts to Pennsylvania. We are prepared to take on the challenges ahead and ensure that Dr. West’s message reaches every corner of the state. We believe the federal courts may provide some relief, as the current system unfairly burdens First Amendment rights.”
The West/Abdullah campaign remains deeply committed to serving the people of Virginia and addressing critical issues such as abolishing poverty and homelessness across America. This also amplifies a voice for those often unheard in our political discourse.
The West/Abdullah campaign has the signatures and minor party nominations it needs to get on the ballot in 18 states. This includes 7 of the battleground states: Michigan, Georgia, Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin, Virginia and North Carolina.
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