Patel Fundraiser

Good evening, everyone! It’s fantastic to see so many of you here tonight. I want to start by thanking each of you for your support. Your belief in this campaign means everything, and I’m deeply grateful for your time, your energy, and your commitment to building a better Virginia.

Now, I know some of you might be wondering: why hold a fundraiser here in Washington, DC, for a Virginia gubernatorial race? It’s simple. Because what happens in Virginia matters, not just for our state, but for the entire country. Virginia is a bellwether for so many of the issues our nation is grappling with — from healthcare and education to economic opportunity and energy policy. And this campaign is about showing that, yes, we can find common ground and solve real problems.

You know, I didn’t come to politics in the traditional way. I didn’t spend years working in government or climbing the political ladder. I came from the world of business, where results matter, and new ideas are the lifeblood of progress. I built my career on finding creative solutions to tough problems — and I believe those same principles can change the way we govern.

As I travel across Virginia, I see the incredible potential our state has. We are home to world-class universities, a dynamic tech industry, vibrant agricultural communities, and a diverse and talented workforce. Yet, despite all this potential, so many people feel left behind by politics as usual. They feel like government isn’t working for them — it’s bogged down in partisan fights, outdated thinking, and endless gridlock.

That’s where I come in. I’m running for Governor to change that. To build a government that listens, learns, and leads. To create a Virginia that’s not just keeping up with the future but leading it.

Let's talk about the economy. We need to position Virginia as a hub for the jobs of tomorrow — not just the ones that have been around for decades. And that means investing in technology, in clean energy, and in infrastructure. You all know the power of innovation — many of you have built careers and businesses around it. I want to bring that same spirit of innovation to Virginia’s economy. As Governor, I’ll push for job training and retraining programs to help workers adapt to a changing job market. I’ll work to bring high-speed broadband to every corner of our state, so no community is left behind in the digital economy.

But the economy isn’t just about jobs; it’s about opportunity. And opportunity starts with education. For too long, access to quality education has depended on where you live or how much money your family makes. That’s not right, and it’s not who we are. My administration will invest in our public schools, support our teachers, and give every child in Virginia the tools they need to succeed. And that means rethinking education to include tech training, apprenticeships, and STEM programs that prepare our students for the future.

On healthcare, we need a system that works for everyone. We’ve made progress with Medicaid expansion, but we can do more. I believe healthcare is a right, not a privilege. And that includes protecting reproductive rights, expanding mental health services, and ensuring that every Virginian can access affordable, quality care. This isn’t about left versus right; it’s about doing what’s right for our people.

Now, I know some of you have heard about my opponent, Rosa Brennan. She’s passionate, and I respect her convictions. But we differ fundamentally on how to move Virginia forward. Rosa wants to take a step back — to turn the clock to a time when we didn’t have to confront these complex issues head-on. I understand that sentiment; change can be daunting. But the future won’t wait. We have to meet it with open arms, smart policies, and a commitment to progress that benefits everyone, not just a few.

That’s why, when it comes to energy, I support an all-of-the-above approach. Virginia has the potential to lead the nation in renewable energy, including solar, wind, and nuclear. This isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for business. Green energy means thousands of high-paying jobs, economic growth, and a secure energy future. We can protect our natural beauty and build a thriving economy at the same time.

And let’s be honest about where we are in politics today. The noise, the division, the partisanship — it’s exhausting. Most Virginians, and I think most Americans, are in the middle. They don’t want extremes; they want solutions. They want to know that their leaders are listening to their concerns, taking their ideas seriously, and working for the common good. That’s the kind of Governor I intend to be.

But I can't do it alone. This campaign needs more than just a candidate; it needs a movement. A movement of people like you who believe that government can and should work for everyone. That we can have a strong economy, a clean environment, safe communities, and a fairer society — if we’re willing to work for it.

Your support tonight is part of that movement. It’s not just about dollars, though of course, every contribution helps us get our message out. It’s about being part of something bigger. It’s about standing up for a vision of Virginia that’s inclusive, innovative, and ready to lead the nation into the future.

So tonight, I’m asking for more than just your financial support. I’m asking for your voice, your passion, and your commitment to a campaign that’s about moving forward, not backward. With your help, we can build a Virginia that’s a beacon of progress — not just for our state, but for the country.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for believing in this campaign. Let’s go out there and make history together.