Del. Kaye Kory is not running for re-election
Del. Kaye Kory, who has represented voters in Mason District in the General Assembly for the past 13 years is not running for re-election.
“This has been a difficult decision to make,” Kory announced on Facebook on April 3. “I have enjoyed my job and appreciated the trust the voters have placed in me. But I know there are many talented people who want to serve and to build a Virginia where all will thrive.”
Kory says her husband, Ross, “is facing some health challenges to which I want to devote my full attention.”
Due to redistricting, Kory and Del. Marcus Simon are now in the same district and would have had to compete against one another in the Democratic Primary.
The majority of Kory’s constituents have been switched to District 14, represented by Del. Vivian Watts. “In 2009, she says, I won my primary by a thin margin,” she says, “and I will never forget that Delegate Vivian Watts came out and campaigned for me. She is the hardest-working legislator in the House of Delegates.”
“Serving the people of Fairfax County, first on the school board and then in the House of Delegates, has been the honor of my life,” Kory states on Facebook. “My first priority was always to take incredible care of my constituents, and I pride myself on listening to every opinion of the people I represent.”
“While in Richmond, I worked to build strong coalitions of advocates and legislators to speak with a united voice on issues that included women’s health care and animal rights,” Kory said.
“It is impossible to point to one thing of which I am most proud, but I will never forget our work across party lines to rescue the Envigo beagles,” Kory says. [About 4,000 dogs were rescued from the inhumane Envigo breeding facility in Cumberland County in 2022.]
Kory also cites her work on the environment and education. She founded the Women’s Health Care Caucus 10 years ago, and got legislation passed to provide incarcerated women with free access to menstrual supplies.
She also got a law passed prohibiting animals from being used to test cosmetic products, highlighted artists with developmental disabilities by hosting the Art-Ability show, and organizing a food drive for the needy through Feed More.
“I wish all of my colleagues’ success as they continue to fight for our democratic values,” Kory says, “and I hope to find other ways to contribute to the cause this November and beyond.”
I sincerely thank Delegate Kaye Kory for her years of service to the public, and wish her and her husband all the best.
I hope her husband’s health will improve.
My husband Ben and I sincerely appreciate all the years of public service Del. Kory has given to our community, first at School Board representative and then as our delegate. We hope Ross will receive the best medical care and that his health will improve.
Delegate Kory has been a hardworking and engaged representative for our Sleepy Hollow neighborhood. We very much appreciate her service and wish her well in her next endeavors. Also, our wishes for good health for her husband.
I agree with all the comments already made, Kaye was committed to her work on the School Board and in the House of Delegates. She was responsive to her community and always willing to listen to our problems. I consider Kaye a friend as well as my legislator. Thank you Kaye.