DPVA Statement on Death of Mary Ann Hovis

“Early this morning, Virginia Democrats lost one of our very best, Mary Ann Hovis. A daughter of the Fightin’ 9th, Mary Ann honed her political skills at the feet of her father, former Congressman Pat Jennings. While she never forgot her roots, always keeping one foot firmly in Southwest Virginia, she and her husband Bob made their home in Fairfax County. There, she put her other foot firmly down and left an immeasurable mark – both in Democratic politics and in the Commonwealth.

“Mary Ann was a passionate Democrat who fought hard for our Party’s ideals. She worked tirelessly to nurture and befriend political leaders young and old, which is why all of her many fundraisers were so popular and successful. Mary Ann was family, and we felt at home with her.

“Mary Ann served in numerous party positions and was a past Chair of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. She was also a longtime member of the Democratic State Central Committee and 10th Congressional Committee. More recently, she chaired our Pat Jennings Project, which recruits, mentors and elects Democrats running for local office. I often sought her advice and counsel, which was always sound. I will miss that.

“It is impossible to put into words how much Mary Ann meant to us and how much we shall miss her, but today a grateful Democratic Party of Virginia reaffirms our commitment to our Democratic values in her honor.”