Contact:
chair.pwcdems@gmail.com

Over the past week, the Prince William County Democratic Party learned of deeply hurtful and
disrespectful comments made by the Woodbridge Magisterial District candidate, Muhammad “Sef”
Casim. Let us be clear: there is no justification for racist, misogynistic, or anti-Semitic language.
Such rhetoric has no place in civilized society—whether it comes from a local candidate or from
the White House.

The Prince William County Democratic Committee denounces all forms of prejudice. We believe
the most effective way to prevent future injustices is to confront harmful words and ideas openly
and peacefully in the present.

Words matter. Ignoring the pain inflicted on Black Americans over the past 250 years by hateful
language and the violence it has fueled is insensitive. Suggesting that a woman’s worth is limited
to domestic labor is insulting. Dismissing or disparaging Christians or Jews because of their faith
promotes the dangerous idea that there is only one acceptable belief system. That is not who we
are.

Comments like these—whether large or small—erode the fabric of our society. They weaken our
ability to see one another as valued and essential parts of our democracy. This narrow vision of
America mirrors the negative and destructive agenda that we see coming out of this current
administration that seeks to divide us: young against old, urban against rural, poor against
prosperous, native-born against immigrant, Black and Brown against white. We reject language
that fuels division. We stand for inclusion.

Without hesitation, we state that the comments made by the Woodbridge Magisterial District
candidate were hurtful and unacceptable. We have spoken directly with Mr. Casim and made our
position unequivocally clear. Whether said years ago in youthful exuberance or at any other time,
such words were wrong then and are wrong now. They will not be tolerated.

He has apologized.

As a party, we acknowledge that apology. We also expect growth, accountability, and action.
Moving forward, his policies, conduct, and words must represent every resident of the
Woodbridge Magisterial District. We will continue to hold our candidates and our elected officials
accountable to the people they serve and to the values that unite us as Democrats. When they
falter, we will correct course; always striving to form a more perfect union.

Each day is an opportunity to do better than the day before. None of us are perfect, but all of us
must be responsible. We must act with urgency and integrity, especially as we witness the results
and dramatic consequences of single-issue voting from November 2024 and the catastrophic
damage it has caused this nation and the world.

One person makes a difference. Words matter. Actions matter. And so does every one of us.

The Prince William County Democratic Committee works to elect Democrats up and down the
ballot in PWC The committee is made up of dedicated volunteers and activists, and is presently
Chaired by Samuel Chisolm Jr. The PWCDC has secured majorities on the School Board, Board
of County Supervisors, the PWC Delegation in the Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate,
and the PWC Federal Delegation for the Commonwealth.

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