VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) announced on Sunday they are plan to take action against “blatant campaign violations” from District 7 candidate Calvern “Cash” Jackson-Green.

The VBDC said they are filing official complaints with the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Elections Commission in order to document and address several alleged campaign violations committed by Jackson-Green.

According to the VBDC, Jackson-Green’s campaign disregarded ethical standards, state and federal campaign regulations and decency expected of a candidate for public office. The alleged violations are listed below:

  • Unauthorized use of Kamala Harris’ image: Jackson-Green allegedly improperly used the image of Vice President Harris in his campaign materials without permission or compliance with federal authorization and disclosure requirements
  • Attempted vote-buying by distributing turkeys to district voters: Witnesses have reported seeing Jackson-Green distributing turkeys to residents within his district in an attempt to buy votes, which is in direct violation Virginia election laws.

The VBDC’s release went on to say that Jackson-Green, who was endorsed by the Republican Party of Virginia Beach, is connected to “well-funded developer interests that have made repeated attempts to dismantle the 10-1 district representation system in Virginia Beach.”

10 On Your Side reached out to Jackson-Green for a response, which can be seen in full below:

I am running for a nonpartisan, local seat as an independent candidate, and my use of Vice President Kamala Harris’ public image was intended solely to demonstrate my commitment to inclusivity and unity. Vice President Harris is a public figure, and using her likeness in this context was not intended to mislead or imply and endorsement, but rather to show that I support representing and serving all members of our community fairly. As this is a local race, federal campaign regulations do not apply in the same way, and we are fully compliant with local guidelines. My goal is to build a stronger, more inclusive community, and I am dedicated to addressing the needs of all residents.

Calvern “Cash” Jackson-Green

Mabinty Saffie Scott, the District 7 candidate endorsed by the VBDC, released a statement on the campaign violations, which can be read in full below:

As the only Democratic endorsed candidate in Virginia Beach City Council District 7, I am dismayed by the actions of my opponent. My campaign is focused on addressing the needs and issues of the people of our city. I know from my lived experience of residing in District 7 and as the legislative director to Councilwoman Sabrina Wooten that our community needs strong representation to deliver the core resources that our locals need to thrive in our city. Cash Green is endorsed and supported by big money developers and by the Republican party of Virginia Beach. He is using Kamala Harris in his literature-showing he will do anything to try and get elected to this seat. The allegations are so serious that today Dr. Eric Majette has issued a statement withdrawing his support of my opponent. We deserve better than the campaign violations outlined by the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee. Check the facts on the VPAP and the Republican Party of Virginia Beach’s website. My candidacy for District 7 City Council has been consistent and clear: I’m running to work with our residents to build a thriving, equitable community for everyone. District 7 deserves a representative who is fully committed to its success, and I’m ready to bring that dedication to the City Council.

Mabinty Saffie Scott
A picture of a mailer sent out by Cash Green’s campaign. Green is running for Virginia Beach City Council’s district 7 seat (Courtesy: Mabinty Saffie Scott)