The 2025 Loudoun Democrats Blue Gala: A Night to Remember
The 2025 United in Blue Gala on May 3 was a powerful night of celebration, reflection, and commitment to Democratic values in Loudoun County. Held at the Belmont Country Club, the annual event brought together volunteers, elected officials, candidates, and community supporters to raise vital funds for year-round organizing – from printing sample ballots to stocking precinct kits and keeping our outreach strong at community events.
Guests arriving at the Belmont Country Club were greeted with the 360 degree photo booth of A Whole 360 Entertainment. Many grabbed a prop and hopped on to make their video, featuring Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA”. A photo slideshow of “Loudoun Dems in Action” played in the ballroom, spotlighting the dedication of our volunteers.
The evening began with a solemn and deeply meaningful walking tour of the Belmont Plantation House, led by Pastor Michelle C. Thomas of the Loudoun NAACP. Through her meticulous research, Pastor Michelle uncovered the unmarked graves and stories of the enslaved people who lived and labored at Belmont. Gala programs included the names of the known individuals, reminding us that the true story of Belmont lies not in its architecture, but in the lives that shaped its foundation. We are deeply grateful to Pastor Michelle for guiding us through this history with such grace and truth.
Inside, our popular Silent Auction featured 36 exciting items, including signed copies of The Threat by Andrew McCabe and a gorgeous Urbano Modern Italian gift basket, helping raise critical funds for LCDC’s 2025 campaign efforts.
The evening program kicked off with welcoming remarks from LCDC Chair Ryan Ruzic, followed by introductions from five of the six Democratic candidates for Lieutenant Governor: Dr. Babur Lateef, Victor Salgado, Levar Stoney, Aaron Rouse, and Alex Bastani. With a slim 21-19 Democratic edge in the Virginia Senate, winning back the Lieutenant Governor’s seat will be key this November.
Throughout the night, we sold tickets for our “Not-a-raffle Baffle,” complete with little animal trinkets used to identify the winners of Team Spanberger swag bags and other prizes.
Both Democratic candidates for Attorney General, Shannon Taylor and Jay Jones, also joined us to share their vision for justice and equity in Virginia.
A spirited keynote panel followed with political journalist A.B. Stoddard and former GOP Congressman turned democracy advocate Joe Walsh. They offered sharp insights on the national political landscape, the stakes in 2024 and 2025, and what it will take to win hearts, minds and elections.
We then revealed the results of our online straw poll: a tie between Dr. Babur Lateef and Senator Aaron Rouse in the LG race and Jay Jones taking the AG contest.
Our keynote address came from former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe — now a senior analyst and co-host of the podcast Unjustified. He delivered thoughtful reflections on civic trust and democracy under pressure. Asked whether our democracy will survive the current threats, he didn’t hesitate: “One hundred percent.”
Finally, the highlight of the evening: the presentation of the second annual Rep. Jennifer Wexton Public Service Award. Though Rep. Wexton couldn’t join us in person due to a family commitment, last year’s honoree Patti Nelson and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam delivered her heartfelt remarks about this year’s recipient: Brenda Bengtson. Brenda has spent years supporting Democratic candidates and advocating for fair, inclusive governance – especially as a constant presence at School Board meetings on behalf of Loudoun’s students and educators. We were so proud to honor her.
Check out our 2025 Blue Gala photo album on Facebook.
Thank you to our sponsors (listed below), our Freedom & Justice Society members, in-kind donors, volunteers, and every guest who made the 2025 Blue Gala unforgettable. Let’s carry this energy into the election season and make history together.
See you next year!
2025 Blue Gala Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
IBEW Local 26
Gold Sponsors
U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam
Delegate David Reid
Comstock Companies
Clean Virginia
VeriJust Law, PLLC & Clark Nelson & Burton, PLLC
John Kunkel
Sharafat Hussain
Silver Sponsors
Senator Russet Perry
Chair Phyllis Randall
Supervisor Kristen Umstattd (Leesburg)
Dr. Babur Lateef for Virginia
Zach Pruckowski
Dan Helmer for Virginia
Bronze Sponsors
Delegate JJ Singh
Supervisor Laura TeKrony (Little River)
Supervisor Mike Turner (Ashburn)
Catherine Shepard
Craig Buckley
Alex Bastani