Press Release: Democratic Delegate Candidate Irene Shin Responds to Opponent’s Antisemitic Comments

HERNDON, Va. – Today the Democratic Nominee for House of Delegates District 86 Irene Shin releases the following statement: 

"I am horrified by Julie Perry’s disrespectful and offensive comments comparing herself to Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Her analogy is insulting to the Jewish community and minimizes the atrocities they endured. 

Perry’s comments are innately disqualifying. She clearly does not embody the values of the 86th District. Our community must remain vigilant and stamp out racism and bigotry in all forms. Hate has no place here in the 86th District, nor anywhere in Virginia.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked to build a democracy that is accessible to all communities and that’s what our campaign is about. We’re running a campaign that is rooted in equity and inclusivity to make Herndon, Reston, Fairfax, Loudoun, and all of Virginia welcoming to everyone." 

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Irene Shin has worked as a community organizer, an activist, and a General Assembly advocate for a number of causes including improving access to healthcare, fighting Big Money's influence in politics, and expanding voting rights to all Virginians.

Irene has also worked to bring transportation solutions and improved mass transit to the region, having served as a member of the Tysons Transportation District Service Advisory Board for Fairfax County.

A lifelong Democrat, Irene has helped dozens of ordinary citizens prepare to run for office. She serves on the board of the Competitive Commonwealth Fund, which recruits and trains Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates across Virginia.

Currently, Irene is the executive director for a nonprofit focused on increasing civic engagement in Virginia.

Irene lives in downtown Herndon. She enjoys visiting local businesses and walking on the W&OD Trail.