Congressional Candidate Vangie Williams Bypasses Traditional Media in Favor of Social Media

FREDERICKSBURG, Va., September 18, 2018 (Newswire.com) - “Vangie Williams for Congress” has announced its first advertising campaign will bypass traditional media and go directly to voters via social media platforms and digital marketing.

The communications director for Vangie Williams for Congress, Sheri Shannon, says the advertising strategy is an unconventional political approach that is aligned with Vangie’s untraditional political campaign.

Voters are moved when they hear Vangie's personal story. They quickly realize Vangie understands first-hand the challenges that families in the 1st Congressional district face. From healthcare to work and the economy, Vangie has overcome obstacles that rural Virginians face every day. It's a story that a 30-second TV ad can't tell.

Sheri Shannon, Communications Manager, Vangie for Congress

“Voters are moved when they hear Vangie’s personal story,” said Shannon. “They quickly realize Vangie understands first-hand the challenges that families in the 1st Congressional district face. From healthcare to work and the economy, Vangie has overcome obstacles that rural Virginians face every day. It’s a story that a 30-second TV ad can’t tell.”

The 90-second video begins with Vangie telling voters about her daughter, Lylia, who battles a chronic condition that puts her at risk of fatal lung infections.

“Living in rural Virginia, no hospital around us can treat her,” Vangie says in the commercial. “We had to fight to get insurance to cover it. My only option was to raise my voice. So I reached out to Congressman Rob Wittman and I asked him for help. We spent our life savings, lost our home and went bankrupt because that’s what you do when your kid is sick.”

Surrounded by microphones and audio equipment in a recording studio, Vangie puts out a call-to-action to “do the unheard of” and raise her voice to defy the system in the commercial.

As a teenager, Vangie was homeless, battling the effects of addiction in her family. But she didn’t give up. She worked multiple jobs, put herself through school and earned four degrees along the way. Vangie is now working on a Ph.D. while running for Congress.

The advertisement is also unconventional because it focuses on solutions, rather than attacking her opponent like most political commercials.

The Year of the Woman for Political Candidates

Vangie became the first person since 1976 to secure the Democratic primary nomination in the district, beating several other candidates. She also became the first woman of color to secure the party nomination in Virginia’s 1st District. A victory in November will make her the first woman of color elected to represent Virginia in Congress.

In the battle for Congress, Democrats nominated 182 female candidates, while Republicans nominated 53 women, which were record highs for women of both parties.

Viral Videos Replacing Expensive TV Ads

The campaign manager for Vangie Williams, Joel Leonard, says their campaign is saving money by sending their message directly to voters, while also leveraging proprietary targeted research that allows the campaign to identify likely voters aligned with Vangie.

“This untraditional approach gives our campaign more resources to put on the ground and reach voters in the district,” said Leonard. “The Vangie Williams for Congress campaign already has the largest number of volunteers and field workers in Virginia – right behind Sen. Kaine’s campaign. By not spending millions of dollars on TV advertising, we are able to find smarter ways to get our message out to voters.”

About Vangie Williams

Vangie is the mother of six daughters and wife of a small business owner. As a strategic planner for a federal contractor, she leads projects on national security, manages critical infrastructure projects and ensures that public services run smoothly.

“What I’m seeing across the district is a growing movement of people who want change,” said Vangie who lives in King George. “We want an economy that works for everyone and to be able to receive medical treatment without going broke through a Medicare for all system. People want a fair chance at success and a representative who will fight for them, not a select few. We deserve better.”

Vangie is not a career politician but has a message and vision that appeals to Democrats and moderate Republicans alike. She’s creating her own path to Washington.

You can watch Vangie’s story by clicking here.

Press Contacts:

Sheri Shannon, Communications Manager
​Email: Sheri@vangieforcongress.com
​Phone: (540) 369-2900 ext. 1003

Mark Macias
​Email: mmm@maciaspr.com
​Phone: 646-770-0541

Source: Vangie for Congress