After months of anticipation and strategic preparation, the Democratic National Convention is set to unfold with renewed vigor and historic significance. Regardless of political affiliation, it’s undeniable that recent weeks in politics have been unprecedented. Becker’s own Alfonso Lopez will once again take a front-row seat in the democratic process, serving as a Superdelegate/PLEO) (Political Leader/Elected Official) and Whip for Virginia’s delegation.
Lopez, a Senior member of the Federal Advocacy team in Becker’s D.C. office will rally his fellow delegates to officially name Vice-President Kamala Harris as the party’s Presidential candidate. As the Whip, he will make sure that the process is seamless. Lopez knows a thing or two about the political process. He served as Whip at the 2016 convention when the ticket was Clinton-Kaine and has been to every DNC since 2000. (Yes, he witnessed that famous speech from then-Illinois State Senator Barack Obama).
Lopez stated, “I’ll not only be carrying the Becker flag, but the opportunity allows me to build stronger relationships with every Democratic member of Congress, as well as statewide officials across the nation.” He went on to say that being on the convention floor in the Windy City will be exciting, and a chance to catch up with old friends and make new inroads.
His participation at the DNC taps into his deep political roots and long-standing commitment to public service. In 2011, Lopez became the first Latino Democrat to be elected to the Virginia General Assembly. He’s won every re-election since, most recently in a hefty 81% landslide. He has served as an Obama Administration political appointee, Kaine Administration Cabinet-level appointee, helped lead political transition teams, served as Majority and Minority Whip of the Virginia House Democratic Caucus, and currently serves as the Chair of the House Workforce & Labor Committee as well as the committee that deals with all environmental issues in Virginia.
In 2018, he fulfilled his ambition to create the Virginia Latino Caucus, the first legislative caucus representing Virginia’s Latinos in the General Assembly’s history.
When asked what he looks forward to most at next week’s convention, Lopez said it’s the energy among Democrats in Virginia and across the nation. “The excitement is palpable. Nominating the first African American and Asian-American female President of the United States is extraordinary and history in the making.”
Summing up his career thus far, Lopez says.’ “It’s been beyond my wildest dreams, and there’s no plan to slow down anytime soon.”
