Jennifer Carroll Foy: A Trailblazing Vision for Virginia as First Black Female Governor

Born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia, Jennifer Carroll Foy’s early life was marked by the kind of difficult choices that shape a person’s understanding of systemic hardship. As a young girl, she vividly recalls sitting at her kitchen table with her aunt, grappling with agonizing decisions: would the family pay their mortgage this month, or would they prioritize purchasing essential medicine for her sick grandmother? These formative experiences laid the foundation for a deep-seated empathy and an unwavering commitment to public service, profoundly influencing her journey toward becoming a leading voice for working families in Virginia.

At 39, Carroll Foy stands as a formidable challenger to former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe in the Democratic primary. Her aspiration is clear: to secure the Democratic nomination for Virginia Governor and subsequently face a Republican opponent in the November 2 election. Undeterred by the formidable political landscape, Foy is passionately dedicated to convincing Virginia voters that her “lived experiences” make her the most qualified candidate to genuinely improve their lives. “I don’t have to empathize with people who are hungry, going without healthcare, and living paycheck to paycheck,” the mother of 3-year-old twin sons shared in an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife. “I understand because I lived it.” This statement encapsulates her campaign’s core message, resonating with countless Virginians who face similar daily struggles.

Her political career is already marked by significant triumphs over long odds. As a former public defender, she made history in 2017 by successfully flipping a traditionally Republican district, winning her election as a delegate to Virginia’s House of Delegates. This victory demonstrated her ability to connect with a diverse electorate and champion progressive causes. Now, she is keenly aware of the monumental impact her success would have if she becomes the first Black female Governor in the United States. “There are millions of young girls who have never seen a Black woman lead this nation and are yet to see one lead any state,” she emphasizes. “It’s truly unfortunate that in 2021 we’re still having these conversations. But that’s where I come in. Because breaking down barriers and blazing trails where none exists is something I’m used to doing.” Her words highlight not only her personal ambition but also her profound understanding of the symbolic power of representation for future generations, especially for young girls of color who need to see themselves reflected in positions of power.

Carroll Foy’s path to public service has been paved with resilience and determination. She graduated from the prestigious Virginia Military Institute (VMI) on a full scholarship, a remarkable achievement as she was part of only the third class to admit women. This period was not without its challenges; she endured hazing from some male classmates, yet these experiences, rather than deterring her, fortified her resolve. It was at VMI that she also met her future husband, Jeff, a fellow student who would become her steadfast partner and supporter. Following her graduation, and with invaluable support and training from the progressive organization Run For Something, she launched her underdog campaign for the House of Delegates, defying expectations from the outset.

“I was running against the establishment candidate, and Republicans wanted to hold on to that seat tight, so it was a tough race,” she recalls of her delegate campaign. “But I had the foundation of Run For Something and the unwavering support of my community to win.” This grassroots approach and deep community connection remain a hallmark of her political strategy, emphasizing authentic engagement over traditional political machinery.

Her commitment to her constituents was evident during that initial campaign, as she campaigned non-stop despite being pregnant with twins. Battling persistent morning sickness, she tirelessly knocked on countless doors to meet voters face-to-face. The final weeks of her campaign were spent on bed rest, a testament to her dedication and the physical demands she endured. Getting elected as a pregnant candidate was, in itself, a significant accomplishment, showcasing her extraordinary resilience and commitment to public service even under challenging personal circumstances.

Following the birth of her twins, Carroll Foy experienced a near-death ordeal that only deepened her resolve to advocate for Black women, not just in her Second District delegate seat, but potentially as Virginia’s next governor. Her experience illuminated a critical public health crisis: Black women are alarmingly two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to the CDC. This stark disparity underscores a systemic issue that Foy is committed to addressing head-on.

After giving birth to her premature identical twins, Alex and Xander, at just 22 weeks, Foy found herself in excruciating pain that was consistently dismissed by medical staff. “The pain only worsened after she left the hospital,” she explains, describing a harrowing post-childbirth period. “We [Black women] are not believed and not heard. After giving birth to my identical twin boys, I remember feeling pain worse than labor and complaining to my nurse and being dismissed and being told that it’s normal and to take more painkillers.” This systemic disbelief and medical gaslighting are tragically common experiences for Black women in the healthcare system.

“But I was still sent home,” she relates. “I’ll never forget falling to my knees in excruciating pain and my husband saying, ‘this can’t be right, this can’t be normal,’ and he rushed me to the emergency room… I was informed that if I had stayed home just a couple more days, I would have lost my life.” Her survival, she argues, should not depend on having an advocate like her husband, Jeff. “What every person in Virginia deserves is a governor who understands that in the 10th wealthiest state in the nation, we should not have Black women dying at third-world country rates.” This powerful statement transforms her personal trauma into a potent call for justice and reform, demonstrating how her personal “lived experiences” directly inform her policy proposals and passion for equitable healthcare.

Foy frames her personal ordeal as yet another example of her “lived experiences” that uniquely qualify her for the governorship. As Virginia’s potential next governor, she is committed to passing transformative legislation. A key proposal includes expanding Medicaid coverage to include the use of doulas during and after birth, ensuring that “women get the culturally competent care we deserve and the advocates we need.” Furthermore, she advocates for significant investment in a maternal and infant mortality review board, dedicated to investigating and ultimately reducing the tragically high number of Black women dying during and after childbirth. As a delegate, Foy already demonstrated her legislative effectiveness by voting to pass Medicaid expansion, which extended crucial healthcare coverage to an additional 400,000 Virginians, showcasing her commitment to accessible healthcare for all.

In her campaign, Jennifer Carroll Foy is making a bold wager: that Virginia voters are ready to move beyond traditional politics and politicians. She believes the state, which has demonstrably shifted blue in recent elections—from its governor to its House of Delegates—is primed for a progressive leader like her. “It’s time for working families to be represented by a working mom who has walked in their shoes,” she shared with HollywoodLife. “I understand their challenges, and I’m going to bring forth solutions.” This candid statement underscores her authenticity and her commitment to practical, impactful governance. Even as she crisscrosses the state campaigning, Foy remains a working mom, embodying the very struggles and dedication she speaks of, a testament to her unwavering work ethic and deep connection to the everyday realities of Virginians.

Foy has maintained her practice as a court-appointed attorney throughout her campaign, actively making her case to voters through both her words and her ongoing professional commitment. A top priority in her platform, if elected governor, is making full-day pre-K available to every 3 and 4-year-old in Virginia. This initiative, she explains, is multi-faceted: “It addresses the issue of inaccessibility and unaffordability for childcare for so many Virginia families, while also addressing the educational divide that starts as early as age 3 or 4 for many of our children here.” By tackling both childcare costs and early educational disparities, Foy aims to lay a stronger foundation for Virginia’s future generations, ensuring every child has an equitable start.

Beyond education and healthcare, Foy is deeply committed to systemic criminal justice reform. She advocates for ending mass incarceration and dismantling the cash bail system, which she asserts “has almost single-handedly contributed to the explosion of our jail population.” She passionately argues, “We have more people sitting in jail before their court date, many that haven’t been found guilty of a single thing yet. Because they can’t, they’re too poor to pay for their freedom.” Her vision includes a justice system that is fair and equitable, where a person’s ability to pay does not determine their freedom, and where rehabilitation and community support are prioritized over punitive measures.

Should Jennifer Carroll Foy succeed in defeating her primary opponent, former Governor Terry McAuliffe, for the Democratic nomination, her prospects for the general election appear strong, based on Virginia’s evolving political landscape. The state has shown a clear trend towards Democratic leadership in recent years, making her a formidable contender in the gubernatorial race.

The candidates vying for the Republican nomination for governor have frequently been characterized by their staunch alignment with former President Donald Trump’s ideology, often described as ‘Trumpy, Trumper, and Trumpian’. These candidates overwhelmingly support Donald Trump’s ‘Big Lie’ concerning the stolen election, often echoing the former president’s most belligerent rhetoric. Foy, when discussing her potential rivals, expresses a sense of disappointment rather than anger. “Unfortunately, the Republican train has gone off the rails… they are just married to this burning dumpster fire on the Republican party platform,” she remarks. “It doesn’t work for anyone. There’s nothing that they’re talking about that’s going to change people’s quality of life.” Her critique focuses on the lack of substantive solutions from the Republican field, contrasting sharply with her own policy-driven, problem-solving approach.

The mission to enhance Virginians’ quality of life extends beyond Jennifer Carroll Foy herself; it is a shared commitment within her family. Her husband, Jeff, is a dedicated advocate for homeless Virginians, deeply invested in social justice issues. He has ambitious plans to effectively end veteran and LGBTQ+ homelessness within the first 100 days of an administration, having already outlined specific policies he intends to help implement. This family-wide dedication to public service underscores the genuine passion and comprehensive vision they bring to the political arena, aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive Virginia.

Jennifer is effusive in her praise for Jeff’s unwavering support, especially during the demanding nature of political campaigns. “The demands of a campaign are continuous, it’s very demanding… so having him have my back is exceptionally important,” she shares. She offers a glimpse into their daily routine: “Even tonight (we talked at 8:30 at night) he made dinner, he fed the kids, and I’m going to do the books, bath, and bed.” This division of labor and mutual support highlight the strong partnership that enables her to pursue such an ambitious political career while raising a family.

If she successfully achieves the Virginia Governorship, Jennifer Carroll Foy knows she will continue to navigate the universal challenge of ‘mommy guilt,’ a sentiment many working mothers experience. However, she is confident in her ability to handle the competing demands of her high-profile role and motherhood through careful compartmentalization. “When I’m with my twins, I am 100% with them,” she explains. “I’m not checking emails, I’m not on the phone. I’m completely focused on making memories with my babies. So that the memories they do have are us having a great time doing the things that they like. That’s what matters.” This thoughtful approach ensures that despite the rigors of public life, her family remains a cherished priority, demonstrating her ability to balance profound public responsibility with deep personal commitment.

And what *is* she hoping that Alex and Xander will think of their mom when they are older? “That my boys grow up and say, ‘my mom was super cool. She was able to get it all done.'” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates her ambition: to be a powerful leader, a loving mother, and an inspiring role model who demonstrates that with determination, dedication, and a clear vision, it is indeed possible to “get it all done” – both for her family and for the people of Virginia.