November 22, 2019 News & Press Releases

Andrew Whitley To Serve As DPVA’s Next Executive Director


by Democratic Party of Virginia

RICHMOND, VA - Andrew Whitley, a native of Southwest Virginia who recently served as Director of the Democratic Party of Virginia's successful Take The Majority coordinated campaign, will serve as the DPVA's next Executive Director. Democratic leaders and elected officials from across the Commonwealth praised Whitley's selection as an excellent move for a Democratic Party that now has full control of Virginia's state government:

"Andrew is an excellent leader who knows exactly what it takes for Democrats to succeed across our Commonwealth. He's played a key role in winning campaigns across Virginia - from Blacksburg to Fairfax and just about everywhere in between. I'm confident that he'll continue leading Virginia Democrats down the right path as we begin a new era in our Commonwealth with Democrats firmly in control of state government," said DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker.

"I saw firsthand what a skilled leader Andrew was when he managed my first campaign in 2017. He's exactly the right kind of person to lead the Democratic Party of Virginia heading into the most important election year of our lives. Andrew is not only a talented strategist and dedicated Democrat, he's an excellent listener who will make sure Southwest Virginia always has a seat at the table. I'm excited to see where he takes our party," said Delegate Chris Hurst. 

"We are about to embark on a new era for Democrats in Virginia, and Andrew is an ideal choice to lead the Democratic Party of Virginia. After leading our coordinated campaign this year to help Democrats win full control of state government for the first time in 26 years, I am confident that Andrew is ready to help lead our party through 2020 and beyond," said Speaker-designee Eileen Filler-Corn. 

"Across the country and across the Commonwealth, Andrew has been a part of some of the most important and successful Democratic campaigns over the last few years. He's the ideal choice to lead Virginia Democrats through what will certainly be a transformative legislative session and a monumental presidential election. His experience across Virginia and trust he's earned from stakeholders across the Commonwealth will put the Virginia Democratic Party in an excellent position next year to bring about the change we need," said Senate Pro-Tempore Elect and DPVA Vice Chair of Outreach L. Louise Lucas.

"The Democratic Party of Virginia has never been stronger, and with Andrew at the helm we're in the perfect position to continue building on our accomplishments and deliver real progressive change for the people of our Commonwealth. He has an incredible track record of accomplishments for Democrats both here in Virginia and across the country. We're lucky to have him as our new Executive Director," said Senate Caucus Chair Mamie Locke.

"The Democratic Party of Virginia has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years, and Andrew has played a key role in helping us get to where we are today. I know he's the right choice to lead the party as we chart a new course as an officially blue state and I look forward to seeing what he can accomplish as DPVA's new Executive Director," said Gaylene Kanoyton, First Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia.

"Andrew has been a tireless fighter for Democrats in Virginia for years, helping us win some of the toughest and most important races in recent memory. Now that the Democratic Party of Virginia is stronger than ever, I'm thrilled that he is stepping up to lead our party as we continue to deliver results for Virginians,” said Delegate Hala Ayala.

Andrew Whitley has worked on political campaigns all across the Commonwealth, including Blacksburg, Fairfax, Virginia Beach and Richmond. Most recently he led Virginia’s successful Take The Majority coordinated campaign, which resulted in flipping both the House and Senate for the first time in over two decades. He has also managed successful campaigns for Delegate Chris Hurst, the Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, and Senate Democratic Leader Dick Saslaw. Before that worked across the country for Hillary Clinton, beginning in the Iowa caucuses and ending in Philadelphia. A proud graduate of Virginia Tech and born and raised in Southwest Virginia, he started his career working for President Obama’s re-election campaign in 2011.

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