Endorsements
Jim Moran
FORMER CONGRESSMAN, VIRGINIA’S 8TH DISTRICT
FOUNDER OF THE NEW DEMOCRAT COALITION
“As a former member of Congress and representative of the area covered by Virginia’s new 19th House District, I am keenly aware of the unique needs of our region. Makya Little has demonstrated her ability to provide effective leadership and advocacy to help move our region and the Commonwealth forward.
Makya is a second-generation federal law enforcement professional, a TJ alumna, and a fiscal moderate. Her perspective will add significant value to the next generation of Virginia’s legislative leaders.
This is why I am proud to endorse Makya’s candidacy for Virginia’s House of Delegates to represent the new 19th District and look forward to supporting her throughout 2023.”
Jackie Speier
FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN, CALIFORNIA’S 14TH DISTRICT
“Usually, I don’t endorse candidates for public office outside of my region. However, over the past few years, I have first-hand experience witnessing Makya Little work cross-country to advocate for legislation at the federal level. So I am beyond confident that she will be able to work across the Commonwealth of Virginia to successfully sponsor and advocate for legislation that provides greater protections for women, equity in education, and law enforcement accountability at the state level. Makya will be an asset to the 19th District and to Virginia’s House of Delegates.”
Dr. Oye Owolewa
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
“Not only does Makya Little understand the issues impacting Virginia’s new 19th House District—as a 27-year resident and lover of learning—she also understands the history behind them.
As a creative problem solver and a bridge-builder deeply engaged in her community, Makya’s record of service at the federal, state, and local level speaks for itself.
I look forward to partnering with future Delegate Little as a neighbor in the region to help uplift our communities.”
Delegate Kaye Kory
VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES, 38TH DISTRICT
“Makya has been a formidable force fighting for equity in Northern Virginia. Thanks to Makya's advocacy, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology successfully reformed their admissions process by eliminating the admissions test while she served as President of the Thomas Jefferson Alumni Group. I also worked with Makya as an advocate on introducing HB 1351 during the 2022 Legislative Session. I look forward to working with Makya in the House of Delegates in the future as a colleague.”
The Honorable Bakari Sellers
FORMER SOUTH CAROLINA STATE REPRESENTATIVE (HD-90)
CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY & POLITICAL ANALYST
“As a second-generation federal law enforcement professional, Makya will advocate for law enforcement accountability while also ensuring Virginia’s law enforcement entities have the resources necessary to protect and serve citizens of the Commonwealth. As a Survivor of domestic violence, Makya will propose legislation that protects every aspect of women’s rights, equality, and safety. Furthermore, as a fellow-HBCU graduate and education equity advocate, Makya will continue her work to ensure educational opportunities in the Commonwealth are equitable and accessible.
This is why I am proud to endorse Makya’s candidacy for Virginia’s House of Delegates to represent the new 19th District.”
Victor Angry
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, NEABSCO DISTRICT
“I believe Makya will serve the citizens of the 19th District and the Commonwealth of Virginia exceptionally well. She is actively involved in the community now, and this position will simply enhance her continued passion for supporting others.”
Justin Wilk
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
POTOMAC DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE
“In 2019, I witnessed the genesis of Makya Little’s advocacy journey. Her transformation from concerned parent to Governor-appointed Parent Advocate of the African American History Education Commission was astounding. Since then, Makya’s engagement, passion, and support for schools in both Prince William and Fairfax Counties has created more opportunities for students in our region. Like her, I believe we all need to learn the truth and fullness of African American history. Furthermore, as an educator myself, I appreciate how fiercely she has advocated for teachers, administrators, and staff throughout the years.
I look forward to partnering with Makya as a state-level representative, as I know she will be a reliable advocate for public education and all students of the Commonwealth in Richmond. I proudly endorse her candidacy for Virginia’s 19th District Delegate.”
Dr. Fergie Reid
VIRGINIA CIVIL RIGHTS/VOTING RIGHTS TRAILBLAZER
FIRST BLACK MEMBER OF VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY POST RECONSTRUCTION (1891)
RICHMOND/HENRICO “AT-LARGE” DELEGATE 1968-1973
“Makya Little never hesitated in her support of voting rights and equal representation in Virginia. She spoke out immediately—and strongly—in support of a Virginia House of Delegates that reflects the 2020 population distribution of the Commonwealth. This stance reflects positively on her perspective, experience, and duty to both the constitution and her prospective constituents; attributes which are needed in Virginia’s General Assembly now.
As an equity advocate, Makya fights for voter education, outreach, and protections. She will serve as a bridge between communities within Virginia’s 19th House District and communities across the Commonwealth to help amplify all voices legislatively. I am pleased to see young women like Makya step up and answer the call of elected leadership, and I am proud to support her candidacy.”
El DeBarge
LEGENDARY MUSIC ARTIST, MUSICIAN & COMPOSER
“On Juneteenth, I will perform in Woodbridge, Virginia, in support of Makya Little, Candidate for the new 19th District, Virginia’s House of Delegates.
She's a 27-year Woodbridge resident and an advocate for the people of her community. She stands for the environment, education and employment equity, accessible and affordable healthcare and childcare, housing security, and more.
This Queen is a mother and a powerful business woman with an incredible personal story, and I'm honored to support her candidacy and elevate her strong voice for the people.”
Cassandra “Cassi” Chandler
(RETIRED) ASSISTANT DIRECTOR,
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
“As the FBI’s first Black female Special Agent to be promoted to the rank of Assistant Director and the agency’s first female National Spokesperson and Director of Public Affairs, I know the power of speaking up and speaking truth to power. I have witnessed the power of Makya’s voice and seen the incredible impact she had within the Bureau. Her concern for the wellbeing and advancement of others has always driven her to action.
I am proud to support Makya Little’s campaign to represent Virginia’s new 19th House District. I know those whom she will represent will benefit from her bold and courageous advocacy. Makya’s background, skills, and abilities uniquely position her to be a force within state government. Her willingness to take on challenges—even at the federal level—will benefit Americans far beyond those in the 19th House District, and our nation will be better for it.”
Eric K. Jackson
(RETIRED) SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE,
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
“Makya is the right person for this time and will not only serve the 19th District of Virginia as a Delegate, but will serve each man, woman, and child as she does in her daily life. In many years of knowing Makya, she is always focused on how to improve the lives of people she encounters by caring for their outcomes. She is dedicated to equality and equal treatment, which is often lost or missing. Makya’s fierceness will not allow her to run away from a fight, but she will never use her position for self-gratitude or self-fulfillment. These rare qualities are often desperately sought after, and Makya is that breath of fresh air needed in leadership at this critical moment. As a former colleague and friend, I highly recommend Makya for this very sacred and vital role in Virginia’s 19th District and for the incredible citizens she will represent.”
Aristia “Tia” Kinis
FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
TJ PARTNERSHIP FUND
“Working with Makya has been an exceptional experience. She is a visionary leader and thoughtful collaborator across all projects, organization goals, and outcomes. She inspires those around her through her courage, integrity, and passion, while maintaining a balanced approach that unifies stakeholders—even when there are deep challenges. I am grateful to her for the impact she’s making in important spaces, and how she’s bridging with excellence to the promise of the future.”