Margaret Franklin (Virginia)

Protecting Reproductive Rights

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, millions have lost the fundamental right to choose. Many states have banned and criminalized abortion, even in cases of rape, incest, and when the life of the woman is at stake. Women have been forced to cross state lines to receive life-saving reproductive care. They have faced criminal investigations into miscarriages. And until we have a Congress willing to act, these horrific stories will continue. Margaret will pass a guaranteed national right to choose, stopping right-wing extremists from banning it in Virginia.

Gun Violence Prevention

Addressing gun violence is a top priority for Margaret. As a Prince William County Supervisor, she has brought law enforcement and communities together to reduce gun violence up and down the Route 1 corridor. As a senior staffer in Congress, she has worked to advance legislation to crack down on illegal gun sales. As our next Congresswoman, she will pass laws to get guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, create universal background checks to close gun-buying loopholes, and punish people trafficking guns across state lines.

An Economy that Works for Everyone

Raised by a single dad after her mom passed away from cancer, Margaret understands the challenges facing working families today. Costs across the board are too high for Virginia families. As a county supervisor, she has led the charge to build affordable housing communities and created an affordable housing trust fund. Margaret will never stop fighting to reduce costs and build an economy that works for all.

We also need to continue leading the world in innovation. We need regulations that protect consumers while allowing industries to flourish, especially developing technologies like crypto and blockchain.

Lowering the Cost of Healthcare and Prescription Drugs

After losing her mother to cancer at eight years old, Margaret saw firsthand the burden that high healthcare costs put on families, and that right now, too many people are being forced to choose between life saving medical treatment and paying their bills. Empowering Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices is a crucial victory won by Democrats, but more needs to be done to lower the cost of prescription drugs, lower healthcare costs for everyone, and protect the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Preserving our Democracy

We should be making it easier, not harder, for citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote. It’s essential that we protect and expand voting rights here in Virginia and across the country to ensure our democracy continues. While working as a legislative staffer in Congress, Margaret worked with Congressman John Lewis and his staff to advance voting rights legislation. In Congress, Margaret will work to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which will expand and protect voting rights, make it easier to vote, and stop gerrymandering.

World Class Education for Everyone

The value of a great education has been clear to Margaret for as long as she can remember. Far too many children do not have access to the world class education that they deserve, due to underfunded schools, teacher pay that isn’t high enough, and kids still trying to catch up from the pandemic. In Congress, Margaret will fight against cuts to education funding, and ensure that every child has access to strong neighborhood schools and affordable opportunities for students to continue to learn and reach their full potential. We must guarantee that every child receives the education they need to be successful, no matter where they live or what their parents’ income is. ^[2]