Patel Fundraiser

“Good evening, everyone! Thank you all for being here tonight. I can’t tell you how much it means to have your support in this campaign. Richmond has always been a special place to me — a city built on history, but with its eyes fixed firmly on the future, just like our movement.”

(Applause)

“Tonight, as I look around the room, I see the faces of business leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals — all of you represent the very best of Virginia. You are the innovators, the risk-takers, the people who see problems not as obstacles, but as opportunities for progress. And that’s exactly what our campaign is about.”

“Now, I’ll be honest. When I first made the jump from the private sector to public service, some people thought I was crazy. They said, ‘Jason, politics is a different game. It’s all about who you know, not what you know. You can’t change the system from the outside.’ But you know what? That’s exactly why I’m here. Because the system needs to change, and it’s not going to happen if we keep sending the same old people with the same old ideas to the Governor’s mansion.”

(Cheers and claps)

“You see, I spent years building businesses that didn’t just make money — they solved problems. They helped communities. They created jobs and opportunities in places where hope was running out. And the more I worked with people across this great state, from Northern Virginia to the coalfields in the west, the more I realized that we need a government that operates the same way. A government that listens to its people, that adapts to their needs, and that isn’t afraid to try something new.”

“In Virginia, we’re at a crossroads. We can either hold on to the status quo, or we can embrace the future. And I’m here to tell you, the future I see is one where Virginia is leading — not following.”

(Applause)

“Let’s talk about education for a moment. We have some of the best universities in the country right here in our backyard, but far too many of our young people don’t get the opportunities they deserve because we’re still stuck in a one-size-fits-all system. That’s why, as Governor, I’ll push for universal broadband access, not just as a nice-to-have, but as a fundamental right. We’ll expand tech training programs in our high schools, so every student, whether they’re in Richmond or Roanoke, can be prepared for the jobs of the future. And we’ll ensure that no child is left behind simply because of their zip code.”

(Applause grows)

“And speaking of jobs, we’ve got to stop thinking of innovation as something that only happens in Silicon Valley or New York. Virginia has the talent, the infrastructure, and the vision to be a global leader in technology and clean energy. I’m talking about creating thousands of high-paying jobs by investing in green technology, renewable energy, and yes, nuclear power too. But it’s not just about energy — it’s about building a workforce that can adapt and thrive no matter where the economy goes. That’s why my administration will work to implement job retraining programs for those industries that are evolving, so no one gets left behind in this transition.”

(Cheers and nods of approval)

“Now, I know you’ve heard a lot about my opponent, Rosa Brennan. She’s passionate, she’s committed, and we agree on a few things — but where we differ, and where Virginia’s future is at stake, is in how we approach these issues. Rosa is looking backward. She believes in the same old playbook: restrict rights, avoid hard conversations about the future, and hope things will just work themselves out. But that’s not leadership. That’s avoidance.”

“For example, let’s talk about her stance on guns. We both agree that responsible gun ownership is a right. But while Rosa wants to simply protect the status quo, I want to protect lives. I want to ensure that we’re keeping guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them — not by taking away anyone’s rights, but by making sure our communities are safe. Background checks, red flag laws, mental health support — these aren’t just talking points, they’re life-saving policies.”

(Applause and cheers of approval)

“And when it comes to healthcare, I know there’s no easy solution. But I also know this: every woman, every family, deserves the right to make the healthcare decisions that are best for them. We don’t need more politicians telling people what to do with their bodies. What we need is affordable healthcare, access to services, and a compassionate, common-sense approach. We can expand Medicaid, we can invest in mental health, and we can protect the rights that so many before us fought to secure.”

(The crowd cheers)

“Look, I’m not running for Governor because I have all the answers. I’m running because I know the answers are out there — in the minds of creative, compassionate, and smart people like you. My job as Governor will be to bring those voices together, to listen, and to create a state government that works with its people, not against them.”

“But none of this happens without you. Tonight, I’m asking for more than just your financial support, though believe me, it’s appreciated!” (laughter) “I’m asking for your energy, your ideas, and your passion. This campaign isn’t just about one man running for office — it’s about a movement. A movement that says Virginia can lead on innovation, on healthcare, on education, on energy. A movement that says we can be both compassionate and ambitious. And I know that together, we can make it happen.”

(Loud applause and cheers)

“Thank you, Richmond! Thank you for believing in this vision and for being part of this journey. Let’s keep going, let’s keep building, and let’s make sure that Virginia’s best days are ahead of us!”

(The crowd stands and erupts in cheers as Jason waves, shaking hands with supporters as the evening continues.)