A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE, REFLECTION, AND COMMITMENT

 

From Patricia Harper-Tunley, Chairwoman

Virginia's 5th Congressional District Democratic Committee

November 6, 2026
 

Thank You, Tom Perriello — Forward 5th!

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​​It has been a tremendous honor to work alongside Tom Perriello throughout his campaign for Virginia's 5th Congressional District. Tom, you demonstrated to voters across the district what meaningful representation should look like: being present, being accessible, listening with intention, and treating every person and community with dignity and respect.

 

​Thank you for your commitment, determination, transparency, availability, and, most importantly, your ability to listen with comprehension and humility.

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Your campaign was phenomenal. You reached every corner of the 5th Congressional District—not once, twice, or three times, but more times than I could possibly keep track of. You made a deliberate effort to visit our communities, engage with residents, hear their concerns, and demonstrate that their voices mattered. The people will remember and respect those intentional efforts and the value you placed on making sure they were heard.

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You reminded us that effective representation begins with listening, building relationships, understanding the needs of our communities, and being willing to show up—again and again.

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The Work Continues: Forward 5th CD!

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​As this chapter of the campaign comes to a close, we must reflect on the progress made while looking ahead to the work that remains. Our focus must be on maintaining and expanding the path toward accessibility, affordability, and accountability for all residents of Virginia's 5th Congressional District and across the Commonwealth.

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Tom, you have helped establish a path forward. Now it is our responsibility to continue paving that path, advocating for our residents, and ensuring that the needs of both our rural and urban communities remain visible and heard.

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Our work does not end with an election. It continues through meaningful engagement, strong relationships, responsible leadership, and a commitment to ensuring that every locality has a voice and every resident has an opportunity to be heard.

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To Our Local Committees, Volunteers, and Partners — Thank You!

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To our local committee chairs and members, volunteers, organizations within the 5th Congressional District and those beyond our borders, thank you.

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To our neighboring congressional districts and supporters across the nation who stood with us, encouraged us, and cheered for the opportunity to flip Virginia's 5th Congressional District, your support and participation have been invaluable.

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Every phone call, door knocked, conversation, event, contribution, shared message, and hour of service helped move this effort forward. You were instrumental in the progress we made, and your dedication deserves recognition.

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We Are the Forward 5th!

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We are the Forward 5th, and we shall continue moving forward. We will remain engaged, continue advocating for our communities, and hold those elected to public office accountable to the people they serve.

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The work ahead requires consistency, collaboration, courage, and a willingness to keep showing up. We must never lose sight of why we began: to ensure that the voices of the people are heard, respected, and represented.

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We may close one chapter, but we are not closing the book. The work continues, and Forward 5th means exactly that—WE KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

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With gratitude and determination,

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Patricia Harper-Tunley
Chairwoman
Virginia's 5th Congressional District Democratic Committee

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FORWARD 5TH — THE PEOPLE'S VOICE, OUR CONTINUED COMMITMENT!