I am Vanessa Cárdenas and it would be an honor for me to represent the people of District 11 in the Virginia House of Delegates. I'm running because working people need a fierce advocate in Richmond—someone who understands their struggles firsthand and brings new ideas and fresh perspectives.

 

I've called Fairfax City home for almost 20 years, raising two children in our public schools and building deep roots in this community. Both of my kids attended Providence Elementary, Katherine Johnson MS and Fairfax High. We have gone to countless FPYC soccer games in Draper Park, swim meets with the Mosby Raiders, took long walks at Nottoway Park, and cheered our kids on at their various extracurricular activities.

 

My family came to this country believing in the promise of the American Dream. That dream became real for me through quality public education, strong community support, and access to opportunity. As the first in my family to graduate from college, I know what it means to work hard and what's at stake when opportunity feels out of reach.

 

My commitment to public service began right here in Northern Virginia. My first jobs right out of college were as a teacher assistant and community outreach specialist and then a public education officer in a local Fire Department. These experiences taught me the importance of fighting for public institutions that serve as the backbone of strong communities.

 

That foundation launched a career spent advocating for working families. I've been a leader at organizations including the Center for American Progress, World Wildlife Fund, National Immigration Forum, EMILY's List, and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Through all those roles I have fought for progressive causes including access to healthcare, building an inclusive economy, closing racial disparities, addressing climate change, reforming our immigration system and helping protect women’s reproductive rights. 

 

I've built a reputation as a collaborative partner and policy expert who gets things done—someone who can bring people together across differences to find common-sense solutions. That's exactly the kind of leadership I would bring to Richmond.

 

I'm proud to hold both my BA and Master of Public Administration from George Mason University, and I'm a graduate of UVA's Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. These experiences strengthened my commitment to servant leadership and effective governance.

 

In Richmond, I will work to address the cost of living and fight for affordable housing, fully funded public schools, good-paying jobs, protecting Medicaid and Medicare, and the rights and dignity of every Virginian. 

 

I'm grateful to have my husband Jorge by my side on this journey, along with our two wonderful young adult children. We're proud of our American story, and I'm committed to ensuring every family in District 11 has the chance to write theirs.

 

I look forward to meeting you and earning your vote!