Background
Stoney was born in New York and later moved to Yorktown, Virginia.
Stoney was born in New York and later moved to Yorktown, Virginia.
He attended Tabb High School in Tabb, Virginia and played as quarterback on the school"s football team
Stoney worked in organizer roles for John Kerry"s 2004 presidential campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. In the summer following his graduation from James Madison University in 2004, Stoney served as a Governor"s Fellow in Mark Warner"s administration. Stoney worked for the Democratic Party of Virginia from 2006 to 2009, first as political director and then executive director
In this role, he worked extensively with President Barack Obama"s successful 2008 presidential campaign.
During the 2005 Virginia Attorney General election, he worked for Creigh Deeds" campaign, which was unsuccessful by 306 votes. During McAuliffe"s 2013 gubernatorial campaign, Stoney served as deputy campaign manager, under campaign manager Robby Mook.
He was deputy director during McAuliffe"s transition into office, a role in which McAuliffe described Stoney as his “closest adviser.” Stoney was appointed Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia by Governor-Elect Terry McAuliffe on November 18, 2013. Following confirmation by the Virginia General Assembly, he took office on January 17, 2014.
As Secretary of the Commonwealth, he has championed efforts to restore of voting rights for felons who have completed their sentences, an effort begun under Governor Bob McDonnell and accelerated under Governor Terry McAuliffe.
Stoney is passionate about the issue, and arguing, "once you have served your time and paid your due, we still should not be punishing you years afterwards. Instead, we should find ways to give that individual an opportunity to better themselves and to contribute to society.".
He is the first African American to serve in this role and the youngest member of Governor Terry McAuliffe"s administration.