Elizabeth Guzmán


Elizabeth R. Guzmán is a Peruvian-American politician and social worker elected to represent Virginia's 31st House of Delegates district in Virginia's House of Delegates. Guzmán also works as a Court Appointed Service Advocate for CASA CIS to prevent child abuse. She serves on the House committees on Privileges and Elections and Cities, Counties, and Towns.
In February 2020, the Bernie Sanders 2020 presidential campaign announced that Guzman and Delegate Lee J. Carter would co-chair his Virginia campaign.

Early life

Born in Peru, Guzmán immigrated to the United States and became a social worker. After settling in Virginia, Guzmán worked three jobs to afford a one-bedroom apartment for her and her daughter.

Career

Guzmán, Kelly Fowler, and Hala Ayala became the first Hispanic women elected to the House, all in Virginia's November 2017 election. Their terms began in January 2018.
In 2017, Guzmán ran for delegate on a platform that highlighted Medicaid for All, early childhood education, and a $15 per hour minimum wage. That same year, she unseated eight-term incumbent Rep. Delegate Scott Lingamfelter.
Guzmán delivered the Spanish response to the 2018 State of the Union Address. The invitation came by a phone call from Nancy Pelosi.
In August 2019, Elizabeth Warren endorsed Guzmán. The Virginia Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education has also endorsed her because she has consistently voted for legislation supporting public education.
Guzmán is a progressive, and has criticized the Democratic Party for its traditionally centrist ideology.
Following the suspension of the Sanders Campaign, Guzmán endorsed Joe Biden for President on April 10, 2020.

Electoral history

Awards

In May 2019, Guzmán was given “The First” award from Latino Victory Fund.