City of Richmond
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Ballot Drop Boxes
Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th
The Virginia Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. All research in this guide was conducted July through September of 2023. Please share this guide with your friends and family.
State Senate
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.
Senate District 010
Republican Delegate John McGuire is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 10th State Senate district. Delegate McGuire has served in the House of Delegates since 2018. He is anti-abortion and received a 100% score from the Family Foundation. In the 2023 General Assembly, he introduced legislation to prohibit public funds from going towards abortion services for low-income people. He also patroned a bill aimed at removing ballot drop boxes, one of several attempts of his to make voting less accessible. Delegate McGuire co-patroned a bill that would require the forced outing of students by principals or their designees.
Because McGuire is running unopposed, there is no recommendation in this race. We encourage you to show up and vote by writing in a candidate. Remember, there are still other races in this year’s elections.
Republican Delegate John McGuire is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 10th State Senate district. Delegate McGuire has served in the House of Delegates since 2018. He is anti-abortion and received a 100% score from the Family Foundation. In the 2023 General Assembly, he introduced legislation to prohibit public funds from going towards abortion services for low-income people. He also patroned a bill aimed at removing ballot drop boxes, one of several attempts of his to make voting less accessible. Delegate McGuire co-patroned a bill that would require the forced outing of students by principals or their designees.
Because McGuire is running unopposed, there is no recommendation in this race. We encourage you to show up and vote by writing in a candidate. Remember, there are still other races in this year’s elections.
Senate District 013
Former Democratic Delegate Lashresce Aird served in the House of Delegates from 2016 to 2022. Her election made her the youngest woman elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. Aird earned her undergraduate and doctorate degrees from Virginia State University. She is a graduate of the Sorenson Political Leadership Program at the University of Virginia and the Minority Political Leadership Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a trusted community leader in Petersburg where she and her husband are raising two sons.
Aird is committed to criminal justice reform. She successfully carried legislation that bans the use and purchase of facial recognition technology by all local law enforcement agencies and campus police without explicit authorization from the state. Aird sponsored “Breonna’s Law,” which bans police from using no-knock warrants to enter and search a home without notifying the resident. She voted to abolish the death penalty and legalize marijuana in 2021 as well.
Aird also successfully sponsored historic legislation that recognizes racism as a public health crisis in Virginia. This bill will implement a series of policies geared towards addressing systemic racism in Virginia. She advocates for access to affordable, quality healthcare by working to lower drug costs and voting to cap the price of insulin in 2020. She voted to expand Medicaid to 400,000 Virginians in 2018 and supported establishing a state-run health insurance marketplace, which helps uninsured or underinsured residents who aren’t covered by an employer-provided health plan to get affordable coverage.
Aird understands the urgency of the climate crisis and is focused on passing legislation to protect the environment. She advocates for equitable energy by successfully sponsoring legislation to make access to clean, affordable water a human right in 2021. She voted for the Virginia Clean Economy Act in 2020, which commits the Commonwealth to 100% clean energy by 2050. The Virginia League of Conservation Voters awarded her a score of 100% for the 2020 session.
Aird supports Virginia’s public education system, voting for a 5% raises for teachers and additional funding to help schools reopen safely during the pandemic. She worked to pass legislation that would make higher education more equitable for applicants by banning public universities from asking criminal history questions on admissions applications. The delegate also co-sponsored the School Equity and Staffing Act, which would address spending discrepancies between schools in low income communities versus other communities. She was named one of the Legislators of the Year in 2021 by the Virginia Education Association.
Democratic candidate Lashrecse Aird and Republican candidate Eric Ditri will face each other in the general election for Virginia’s new 13th State Senate district. Ditri was born and raised in Prince George County and has a background in construction and finance. While his campaign website lists several priorities, no information could be found on his stances on progressive issues such as abortion and LGBTQ rights.
Due to her support of criminal justice reform, public education, affordable healthcare, and the environment, Lashrecse Aird is the progressive choice in this race.
Former Democratic Delegate Lashresce Aird served in the House of Delegates from 2016 to 2022. Her election made her the youngest woman elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. Aird earned her undergraduate and doctorate degrees from Virginia State University. She is a graduate of the Sorenson Political Leadership Program at the University of Virginia and the Minority Political Leadership Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a trusted community leader in Petersburg where she and her husband are raising two sons.
Aird is committed to criminal justice reform. She successfully carried legislation that bans the use and purchase of facial recognition technology by all local law enforcement agencies and campus police without explicit authorization from the state. Aird sponsored “Breonna’s Law,” which bans police from using no-knock warrants to enter and search a home without notifying the resident. She voted to abolish the death penalty and legalize marijuana in 2021 as well.
Aird also successfully sponsored historic legislation that recognizes racism as a public health crisis in Virginia. This bill will implement a series of policies geared towards addressing systemic racism in Virginia. She advocates for access to affordable, quality healthcare by working to lower drug costs and voting to cap the price of insulin in 2020. She voted to expand Medicaid to 400,000 Virginians in 2018 and supported establishing a state-run health insurance marketplace, which helps uninsured or underinsured residents who aren’t covered by an employer-provided health plan to get affordable coverage.
Aird understands the urgency of the climate crisis and is focused on passing legislation to protect the environment. She advocates for equitable energy by successfully sponsoring legislation to make access to clean, affordable water a human right in 2021. She voted for the Virginia Clean Economy Act in 2020, which commits the Commonwealth to 100% clean energy by 2050. The Virginia League of Conservation Voters awarded her a score of 100% for the 2020 session.
Aird supports Virginia’s public education system, voting for a 5% raises for teachers and additional funding to help schools reopen safely during the pandemic. She worked to pass legislation that would make higher education more equitable for applicants by banning public universities from asking criminal history questions on admissions applications. The delegate also co-sponsored the School Equity and Staffing Act, which would address spending discrepancies between schools in low income communities versus other communities. She was named one of the Legislators of the Year in 2021 by the Virginia Education Association.
Democratic candidate Lashrecse Aird and Republican candidate Eric Ditri will face each other in the general election for Virginia’s new 13th State Senate district. Ditri was born and raised in Prince George County and has a background in construction and finance. While his campaign website lists several priorities, no information could be found on his stances on progressive issues such as abortion and LGBTQ rights.
Due to her support of criminal justice reform, public education, affordable healthcare, and the environment, Lashrecse Aird is the progressive choice in this race.
Former Democratic Delegate Lashresce Aird served in the House of Delegates from 2016 to 2022. Her election made her the youngest woman elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. Aird earned her undergraduate and doctorate degrees from Virginia State University. She is a graduate of the Sorenson Political Leadership Program at the University of Virginia and the Minority Political Leadership Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a trusted community leader in Petersburg where she and her husband are raising two sons.
Aird is committed to criminal justice reform. She successfully carried legislation that bans the use and purchase of facial recognition technology by all local law enforcement agencies and campus police without explicit authorization from the state. Aird sponsored “Breonna’s Law,” which bans police from using no-knock warrants to enter and search a home without notifying the resident. She voted to abolish the death penalty and legalize marijuana in 2021 as well.
Aird also successfully sponsored historic legislation that recognizes racism as a public health crisis in Virginia. This bill will implement a series of policies geared towards addressing systemic racism in Virginia. She advocates for access to affordable, quality healthcare by working to lower drug costs and voting to cap the price of insulin in 2020. She voted to expand Medicaid to 400,000 Virginians in 2018 and supported establishing a state-run health insurance marketplace, which helps uninsured or underinsured residents who aren’t covered by an employer-provided health plan to get affordable coverage.
Aird understands the urgency of the climate crisis and is focused on passing legislation to protect the environment. She advocates for equitable energy by successfully sponsoring legislation to make access to clean, affordable water a human right in 2021. She voted for the Virginia Clean Economy Act in 2020, which commits the Commonwealth to 100% clean energy by 2050. The Virginia League of Conservation Voters awarded her a score of 100% for the 2020 session.
Aird supports Virginia’s public education system, voting for a 5% raises for teachers and additional funding to help schools reopen safely during the pandemic. She worked to pass legislation that would make higher education more equitable for applicants by banning public universities from asking criminal history questions on admissions applications. The delegate also co-sponsored the School Equity and Staffing Act, which would address spending discrepancies between schools in low income communities versus other communities. She was named one of the Legislators of the Year in 2021 by the Virginia Education Association.
Democratic candidate Lashrecse Aird and Republican candidate Eric Ditri will face each other in the general election for Virginia’s new 13th State Senate district. Ditri was born and raised in Prince George County and has a background in construction and finance. While his campaign website lists several priorities, no information could be found on his stances on progressive issues such as abortion and LGBTQ rights.
Due to her support of criminal justice reform, public education, affordable healthcare, and the environment, Lashrecse Aird is the progressive choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-10-23
Senate District 014
Incumbent Democratic Senator Lamont Bagby is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 14th State Senate district. He was born and raised in Richmond and later earned degrees at both Norfolk State and Virginia Commonwealth University. Before being elected to the Senate in a special election, he served in the House of Delegates from 2015 until 2023. In 2009, he was the youngest elected official in the Richmond area after his election to the Henrico County School Board at the age of 32. He serves as chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.
As chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Senator Bagby introduced and passed important bills for racial equity. He advocated for the removal of Confederate monuments and led the charge for the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue at the State Capitol. He voted for legislation in 2020 that allows localities to remove Confederate statues or memorials. He has also worked for the preservation of Black history, expanding the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund to include battlefields where Black soldiers fought and died.
Senator Bagby has also worked for criminal justice reform to ensure fair treatment of Black and Brown community members. He successfully patroned legislation that implements a process for the automatic expungement of certain criminal convictions. This bill ensures those with criminal records have access to housing, employment, and educational opportunities. He voted to abolish the death penalty and legalize marijuana, both of which have disproportionately impacted Black and Brown Virginians. Additionally, Sen. Bagby supports ending qualified immunity for police officers and mandatory minimums for those who have been convicted of certain crimes.
As a co-patron of the Voting Rights Act of Virginia, Senator Bagby worked to ensure no Virginian faces discriminatory barriers to voting. He also supported making absentee voting more accessible and extending early voting. He introduced and successfully passed a bill to introduce in-person early voting hours on Sundays. These bills help ensure Virginians have more options for when, where, and how to vote so that voting is accessible to all.
Due to his track record for supporting progressive legislation, Senator Lamont Bagby is the sole progressive candidate in this race.
Note: Portions of this write-up came from a previous Progressive Voters Guide recommendation for this candidate.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Lamont Bagby is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 14th State Senate district. He was born and raised in Richmond and later earned degrees at both Norfolk State and Virginia Commonwealth University. Before being elected to the Senate in a special election, he served in the House of Delegates from 2015 until 2023. In 2009, he was the youngest elected official in the Richmond area after his election to the Henrico County School Board at the age of 32. He serves as chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.
As chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Senator Bagby introduced and passed important bills for racial equity. He advocated for the removal of Confederate monuments and led the charge for the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue at the State Capitol. He voted for legislation in 2020 that allows localities to remove Confederate statues or memorials. He has also worked for the preservation of Black history, expanding the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund to include battlefields where Black soldiers fought and died.
Senator Bagby has also worked for criminal justice reform to ensure fair treatment of Black and Brown community members. He successfully patroned legislation that implements a process for the automatic expungement of certain criminal convictions. This bill ensures those with criminal records have access to housing, employment, and educational opportunities. He voted to abolish the death penalty and legalize marijuana, both of which have disproportionately impacted Black and Brown Virginians. Additionally, Sen. Bagby supports ending qualified immunity for police officers and mandatory minimums for those who have been convicted of certain crimes.
As a co-patron of the Voting Rights Act of Virginia, Senator Bagby worked to ensure no Virginian faces discriminatory barriers to voting. He also supported making absentee voting more accessible and extending early voting. He introduced and successfully passed a bill to introduce in-person early voting hours on Sundays. These bills help ensure Virginians have more options for when, where, and how to vote so that voting is accessible to all.
Due to his track record for supporting progressive legislation, Senator Lamont Bagby is the sole progressive candidate in this race.
Note: Portions of this write-up came from a previous Progressive Voters Guide recommendation for this candidate.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Lamont Bagby is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 14th State Senate district. He was born and raised in Richmond and later earned degrees at both Norfolk State and Virginia Commonwealth University. Before being elected to the Senate in a special election, he served in the House of Delegates from 2015 until 2023. In 2009, he was the youngest elected official in the Richmond area after his election to the Henrico County School Board at the age of 32. He serves as chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.
As chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Senator Bagby introduced and passed important bills for racial equity. He advocated for the removal of Confederate monuments and led the charge for the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue at the State Capitol. He voted for legislation in 2020 that allows localities to remove Confederate statues or memorials. He has also worked for the preservation of Black history, expanding the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund to include battlefields where Black soldiers fought and died.
Senator Bagby has also worked for criminal justice reform to ensure fair treatment of Black and Brown community members. He successfully patroned legislation that implements a process for the automatic expungement of certain criminal convictions. This bill ensures those with criminal records have access to housing, employment, and educational opportunities. He voted to abolish the death penalty and legalize marijuana, both of which have disproportionately impacted Black and Brown Virginians. Additionally, Sen. Bagby supports ending qualified immunity for police officers and mandatory minimums for those who have been convicted of certain crimes.
As a co-patron of the Voting Rights Act of Virginia, Senator Bagby worked to ensure no Virginian faces discriminatory barriers to voting. He also supported making absentee voting more accessible and extending early voting. He introduced and successfully passed a bill to introduce in-person early voting hours on Sundays. These bills help ensure Virginians have more options for when, where, and how to vote so that voting is accessible to all.
Due to his track record for supporting progressive legislation, Senator Lamont Bagby is the sole progressive candidate in this race.
Note: Portions of this write-up came from a previous Progressive Voters Guide recommendation for this candidate.
Last updated: 2023-10-27
Senate District 015
Incumbent Democratic Senator Ghazala Hashmi was born in Hyderabad, India in 1964 and moved to the United States with her mother and brother when she was four years old. She spent nearly 30 years as a professor at the University of Richmond and Reynolds Community College. Hashmi was elected to the Virginia General Assembly in November 2019, becoming the first Muslim and the first South Asian American to serve in the Virginia Senate. She serves as the Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Public Education and sits on several Senate committees. Her top legislative priorities include education, equity, the environment, and healthcare access.
Education is a top legislative priority for Senator Hashmi, who has championed legislation and budget amendments to provide increased support for educators and vulnerable students, such as English Language Learners and students with disabilities. Senator Hashmi believes that accessible and equitable education for all students can be achieved by supporting educators and students, addressing areas of inequality, protecting vulnerable populations in schools, and keeping schools free from gun violence. Additionally, she was a chief co-patron for a bill to offer in-state tuition to Virginia students regardless of immigration status.
Senator Hashmi emphasizes that health care is a human right. Within those rights, she recognizes the need for affordable coverage, access to safe and legal abortion, and low-cost prescription drugs. She also advocates for expanding access to mental health services. Her bill to increase access to professional counselors passed during the 2023 General Assembly. As a member of the Senate Health and Education Committee, she has consistently stood against attempts to roll back progressive legislation.
Senator Hashmi recognizes the effects of human-caused climate change in the Commonwealth. She believes in policies that protect communities and the environment. Among her concerns are carbon emissions, coastal resiliency programs, flooding, and environmental justice. During the 2020 General Assembly, she patroned a bill that defined “environmental justice” and ensured it would be policy to promote throughout the state. Her bill to establish the Virginia Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Historic Preservation Fund passed during the 2022 General Assembly.
Senator Hashmi prioritizes the Care Economy, noting it is fundamental to the growth of the economy. She is a champion for expanding access to childcare, home healthcare and elder care, and proper compensation for domestic workers. She supports unions and workers’ right to collective bargaining and uplifts a living wage as a fundamental right. As a professor in both university and community college, Senator Hashmi advocates for strong career training opportunities for degree-seeking community college students.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Ghazala Hashmi is facing a challenge from Republican Hayden Fisher in the general election for Virginia’s new 15th State Senate district. Little information was found on Fisher’s stances on several issues. However, his campaign site boasts anti-trans policies when it comes to education and student sports.
Because of her history of fighting for progressive policy and her commitment to empowering communities across the Commonwealth, Senator Ghazala Hashmi is the clear progressive choice in this race.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Ghazala Hashmi was born in Hyderabad, India in 1964 and moved to the United States with her mother and brother when she was four years old. She spent nearly 30 years as a professor at the University of Richmond and Reynolds Community College. Hashmi was elected to the Virginia General Assembly in November 2019, becoming the first Muslim and the first South Asian American to serve in the Virginia Senate. She serves as the Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Public Education and sits on several Senate committees. Her top legislative priorities include education, equity, the environment, and healthcare access.
Education is a top legislative priority for Senator Hashmi, who has championed legislation and budget amendments to provide increased support for educators and vulnerable students, such as English Language Learners and students with disabilities. Senator Hashmi believes that accessible and equitable education for all students can be achieved by supporting educators and students, addressing areas of inequality, protecting vulnerable populations in schools, and keeping schools free from gun violence. Additionally, she was a chief co-patron for a bill to offer in-state tuition to Virginia students regardless of immigration status.
Senator Hashmi emphasizes that health care is a human right. Within those rights, she recognizes the need for affordable coverage, access to safe and legal abortion, and low-cost prescription drugs. She also advocates for expanding access to mental health services. Her bill to increase access to professional counselors passed during the 2023 General Assembly. As a member of the Senate Health and Education Committee, she has consistently stood against attempts to roll back progressive legislation.
Senator Hashmi recognizes the effects of human-caused climate change in the Commonwealth. She believes in policies that protect communities and the environment. Among her concerns are carbon emissions, coastal resiliency programs, flooding, and environmental justice. During the 2020 General Assembly, she patroned a bill that defined “environmental justice” and ensured it would be policy to promote throughout the state. Her bill to establish the Virginia Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Historic Preservation Fund passed during the 2022 General Assembly.
Senator Hashmi prioritizes the Care Economy, noting it is fundamental to the growth of the economy. She is a champion for expanding access to childcare, home healthcare and elder care, and proper compensation for domestic workers. She supports unions and workers’ right to collective bargaining and uplifts a living wage as a fundamental right. As a professor in both university and community college, Senator Hashmi advocates for strong career training opportunities for degree-seeking community college students.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Ghazala Hashmi is facing a challenge from Republican Hayden Fisher in the general election for Virginia’s new 15th State Senate district. Little information was found on Fisher’s stances on several issues. However, his campaign site boasts anti-trans policies when it comes to education and student sports.
Because of her history of fighting for progressive policy and her commitment to empowering communities across the Commonwealth, Senator Ghazala Hashmi is the clear progressive choice in this race.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Ghazala Hashmi was born in Hyderabad, India in 1964 and moved to the United States with her mother and brother when she was four years old. She spent nearly 30 years as a professor at the University of Richmond and Reynolds Community College. Hashmi was elected to the Virginia General Assembly in November 2019, becoming the first Muslim and the first South Asian American to serve in the Virginia Senate. She serves as the Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Public Education and sits on several Senate committees. Her top legislative priorities include education, equity, the environment, and healthcare access.
Education is a top legislative priority for Senator Hashmi, who has championed legislation and budget amendments to provide increased support for educators and vulnerable students, such as English Language Learners and students with disabilities. Senator Hashmi believes that accessible and equitable education for all students can be achieved by supporting educators and students, addressing areas of inequality, protecting vulnerable populations in schools, and keeping schools free from gun violence. Additionally, she was a chief co-patron for a bill to offer in-state tuition to Virginia students regardless of immigration status.
Senator Hashmi emphasizes that health care is a human right. Within those rights, she recognizes the need for affordable coverage, access to safe and legal abortion, and low-cost prescription drugs. She also advocates for expanding access to mental health services. Her bill to increase access to professional counselors passed during the 2023 General Assembly. As a member of the Senate Health and Education Committee, she has consistently stood against attempts to roll back progressive legislation.
Senator Hashmi recognizes the effects of human-caused climate change in the Commonwealth. She believes in policies that protect communities and the environment. Among her concerns are carbon emissions, coastal resiliency programs, flooding, and environmental justice. During the 2020 General Assembly, she patroned a bill that defined “environmental justice” and ensured it would be policy to promote throughout the state. Her bill to establish the Virginia Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Historic Preservation Fund passed during the 2022 General Assembly.
Senator Hashmi prioritizes the Care Economy, noting it is fundamental to the growth of the economy. She is a champion for expanding access to childcare, home healthcare and elder care, and proper compensation for domestic workers. She supports unions and workers’ right to collective bargaining and uplifts a living wage as a fundamental right. As a professor in both university and community college, Senator Hashmi advocates for strong career training opportunities for degree-seeking community college students.
Incumbent Democratic Senator Ghazala Hashmi is facing a challenge from Republican Hayden Fisher in the general election for Virginia’s new 15th State Senate district. Little information was found on Fisher’s stances on several issues. However, his campaign site boasts anti-trans policies when it comes to education and student sports.
Because of her history of fighting for progressive policy and her commitment to empowering communities across the Commonwealth, Senator Ghazala Hashmi is the clear progressive choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-10-23
Senate District 016
Virginia’s new 16th State Senate district encompasses parts of Chesterfield County and parts of Richmond City. With almost 141,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Incumbent Republican Senator Siobhan Dunnavant is facing a challenge from Democratic Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg in the general election for Virginia’s new 16th State Senate district. Senator Dunnavant has served in the State Senate since 2016. Delegate VanValkenburg has served in the House of Delegates since 2018.
Democratic candidate Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg is a history and U.S. government teacher who has represented the 72nd District since 2018. He was born in New York and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond. He currently teaches history and US Government at Glen Allen High School in Henrico County and is the only active K-12 teacher serving in the General Assembly. He lives in Henrico and is the proud father of three children.
Delegate VanValkenburg is a strong advocate for Virginia’s public schools. He has fought for increased public school funding, teacher raises, and increased access to school counselors. If elected, he will continue to champion efforts to improve public education in the Commonwealth. He believes that investments should be made to increase support staff in school and lower the cost of higher education. In 2022, he introduced and passed a bill that created a workgroup to revise Standards of Learning tests to better assess student’s knowledge.
Delegate VanValkenburg understands the importance of accessible abortion care. He believes people should make their own healthcare decisions with their medical provider. VanValkenburg has promised to vote against abortion bans. He voted in favor of the Reproductive Health Equity Act, which removed medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion access. He is the only candidate in Senate District 16 who supports upholding Viginians’ access to abortion, and has said that abortion ban proposals are out of touch with constituents.
As a school teacher, gun violence prevention is top of mind for Delegate VanValkenburg. If elected, one of his goals is to reintroduce his bill for safe storage of firearms. He voted to pass extreme risk protection laws, which take guns out of the hands of people who are in imminent danger to themselves or others. He also voted to ban firearms from those convicted of domestic abuse. He supports universal background checks and sits on a committee that addresses preventing school shootings.
Delegate VanValkenburg believes that our democracy is stronger when more people participate. In 2020, he introduced and passed a bill that created a permanent absentee voter list, making it easier for people across the Commonwealth to vote. In 2021, he introduced and passed the Absentee Voting Omnibus that instituted dropboxes and pre-paid postage for mail-in ballots. If elected, he will continue to fight for better access to the ballots for Virginia voters.
Delegate VanValkenburg is challenging incumbent Republican Senator Siobhan Dunnavant. During the 2023 General Assembly, she introduced an abortion ban that quickly failed in the Senate committee. She has stated support of Governor Youngkin’s desire for a 15 week abortion ban. She also supported efforts to roll back protections for the Affordable Care Act.
Because of his commitment to supporting abortion access, gun violence prevention, voting rights, and public school investments, Delegate VanValkenburg is the progressive choice in this race
Delegate VanValkenburg is a strong advocate for Virginia’s public schools. He has fought for increased public school funding, teacher raises, and increased access to school counselors. If elected, he will continue to champion efforts to improve public education in the Commonwealth. He believes that investments should be made to increase support staff in school and lower the cost of higher education. In 2022, he introduced and passed a bill that created a workgroup to revise Standards of Learning tests to better assess student’s knowledge.
Delegate VanValkenburg understands the importance of accessible abortion care. He believes people should make their own healthcare decisions with their medical provider. VanValkenburg has promised to vote against abortion bans. He voted in favor of the Reproductive Health Equity Act, which removed medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion access. He is the only candidate in Senate District 16 who supports upholding Viginians’ access to abortion, and has said that abortion ban proposals are out of touch with constituents.
As a school teacher, gun violence prevention is top of mind for Delegate VanValkenburg. If elected, one of his goals is to reintroduce his bill for safe storage of firearms. He voted to pass extreme risk protection laws, which take guns out of the hands of people who are in imminent danger to themselves or others. He also voted to ban firearms from those convicted of domestic abuse. He supports universal background checks and sits on a committee that addresses preventing school shootings.
Delegate VanValkenburg believes that our democracy is stronger when more people participate. In 2020, he introduced and passed a bill that created a permanent absentee voter list, making it easier for people across the Commonwealth to vote. In 2021, he introduced and passed the Absentee Voting Omnibus that instituted dropboxes and pre-paid postage for mail-in ballots. If elected, he will continue to fight for better access to the ballots for Virginia voters.
Delegate VanValkenburg is challenging incumbent Republican Senator Siobhan Dunnavant. During the 2023 General Assembly, she introduced an abortion ban that quickly failed in the Senate committee. She has stated support of Governor Youngkin’s desire for a 15 week abortion ban. She also supported efforts to roll back protections for the Affordable Care Act.
Because of his commitment to supporting abortion access, gun violence prevention, voting rights, and public school investments, Delegate VanValkenburg is the progressive choice in this race
Virginia’s new 16th State Senate district encompasses parts of Chesterfield County and parts of Richmond City. With almost 141,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Incumbent Republican Senator Siobhan Dunnavant is facing a challenge from Democratic Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg in the general election for Virginia’s new 16th State Senate district. Senator Dunnavant has served in the State Senate since 2016. Delegate VanValkenburg has served in the House of Delegates since 2018.
House of Delegates
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below House of Delegate races on your ballot.
House District 057
Virginia’s new 57th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Henrico County and parts of Goochland County. With almost 63,000 registered voters, this is a competitive district that doesn’t lean in either direction.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Democratic candidate Susanna Gibson and Republican candidate David Owen are facing each other in the general election for Virginia’s new 57th House of Delegates district. This is an open seat with no incumbent in the race.
Susanna Gibson is a nurse practitioner and a public health expert who graduated from University of Virginia and Columbia University. She has been working in Richmond as a physician for almost 15 years, and through this experience, she has become familiar with the realities of the healthcare system. Gibson wants to apply this knowledge to her role as Delegate to fight for families and community members in Virginia.
Susanna Gibson is passionate about reproductive health and education, which started at a young age while volunteering and shadowing at the UVA Teen Health Center. She believes that women must have control over their own bodies, access to affordable quality healthcare, and make their own healthcare decisions in consultation with their healthcare providers. She is committed to ensuring that Virginia does not move backwards on reproductive rights and will use her professional knowledge to explain the damage that will be done to women, families, and communities if women are unable to work or care for their loved ones.
Gibson also wants quality education for all students, which requires an environment that engages students and cultivates them as they prepare for next steps, including higher education. She wants to create a culture that rewards and trusts teachers rather than setting them up to be seen as untrustworthy and devious, as Governor Youngkin’s failed tip line attempted to do. She also believes that college should be accessible to students and affordable to their families, because no one should have to forgo college or drown in debt because of the current system.
Gibson believes in commonsense gun violence prevention measures. On children experiencing gun violence she has said, “Our children should not have to practice active-shooter drills at school and live with the real fear of being harmed by someone with a weapon intended for a war zone.” Gibson believes that Virginia should invest in community-based programs such as gun buyback programs, increased street-lighting, and other evidence based programs that have been shown to reduce gun violence.
Gibson’s medical expertise informs her opinion on how mental health and substance abuse should be handled. She believes that those who need resources should have access to them, as it improves the quality of life of everyone in communities. She also believes that the response to substance abuse should be met with treatment rather than incarceration and punishment. She advocates for more education and acceptance regarding mental health and hopes to introduce legislation to increase the number of Drug Courts in Virginia, as they save considerable costs and help communities.
Susanna Gibson is facing Republican David Owen. Owen is a native Virginian who graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He worked as a construction engineer, and he was part-owner of Boone Homes for 20 years before he and his partners sold the company. He does not support police reform, or legislation that allows communities to hold police accountable. He promotes teaching inaccurate history and anti-trans policies.
Susanna Gibson is the progressive choice for this race, as she is an expert in public health, supports investments in public education, and advocates for mental health.
Susanna Gibson is passionate about reproductive health and education, which started at a young age while volunteering and shadowing at the UVA Teen Health Center. She believes that women must have control over their own bodies, access to affordable quality healthcare, and make their own healthcare decisions in consultation with their healthcare providers. She is committed to ensuring that Virginia does not move backwards on reproductive rights and will use her professional knowledge to explain the damage that will be done to women, families, and communities if women are unable to work or care for their loved ones.
Gibson also wants quality education for all students, which requires an environment that engages students and cultivates them as they prepare for next steps, including higher education. She wants to create a culture that rewards and trusts teachers rather than setting them up to be seen as untrustworthy and devious, as Governor Youngkin’s failed tip line attempted to do. She also believes that college should be accessible to students and affordable to their families, because no one should have to forgo college or drown in debt because of the current system.
Gibson believes in commonsense gun violence prevention measures. On children experiencing gun violence she has said, “Our children should not have to practice active-shooter drills at school and live with the real fear of being harmed by someone with a weapon intended for a war zone.” Gibson believes that Virginia should invest in community-based programs such as gun buyback programs, increased street-lighting, and other evidence based programs that have been shown to reduce gun violence.
Gibson’s medical expertise informs her opinion on how mental health and substance abuse should be handled. She believes that those who need resources should have access to them, as it improves the quality of life of everyone in communities. She also believes that the response to substance abuse should be met with treatment rather than incarceration and punishment. She advocates for more education and acceptance regarding mental health and hopes to introduce legislation to increase the number of Drug Courts in Virginia, as they save considerable costs and help communities.
Susanna Gibson is facing Republican David Owen. Owen is a native Virginian who graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He worked as a construction engineer, and he was part-owner of Boone Homes for 20 years before he and his partners sold the company. He does not support police reform, or legislation that allows communities to hold police accountable. He promotes teaching inaccurate history and anti-trans policies.
Susanna Gibson is the progressive choice for this race, as she is an expert in public health, supports investments in public education, and advocates for mental health.
Virginia’s new 57th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Henrico County and parts of Goochland County. With almost 63,000 registered voters, this is a competitive district that doesn’t lean in either direction.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Democratic candidate Susanna Gibson and Republican candidate David Owen are facing each other in the general election for Virginia’s new 57th House of Delegates district. This is an open seat with no incumbent in the race.
House District 058
Virginia’s new 58th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Henrico County. With close to 61,000 registered voters, this district leans Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Rodney Willett is facing a challenge from Republican Shaia Riley in the general election for Virginia’s new 58th House of Delegates district. Delegate Willett has served in the House of Delegates since 2020.
Incumbent Delegate Rodney Willett is a Virginia native who studied law at the College of William and Mary. Delegate Willett has served District 73 since 2020, and he was reelected in 2021. He has also served on an extensive list of Boards, which include the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, and the Virginia’s Children’s Health Insurance Advisory Board. He also was a member of the Student Engagement and Leadership Advisory Board at the College of William and Mary, where he founded an endowment that funds student volunteers.
Delegate Willett believes that everyone should have accessible, affordable healthcare. He wants people to be taken care of by a quality health care system. He believes that there was some improvement when we expanded Medicaid, but that further measures should be taken, as too many people still do not have access to affordable health care. In addition to expanding access, he wants to increase funding for mental health care and addiction treatment. He also learned from his experience on the Board of Rx Partnership that too many people cannot access the prescriptions that they need, and he believes that this is a major problem.
Delegate Willett believes that education and adequate employment are key components in creating successful futures for people. He wants to make pre-K enrollment universal for all Virginia kids, and also improve other areas, such as funding for schools, counseling resources, and fair wages for teachers. Del. Willett wants to minimize red tape so that businesses can operate more efficiently, and he also wants to focus on job training, liveable wages, and equal pay.
Delegate Willett also supports abortion access and would vote against an abortion ban.
Additionally, he supports common sense gun violence prevention legislation that would include universal background checks, as they are a proven way to keep guns out of the hands of those who mean harm. He wants extreme risk protective orders to be enforced as well.
Delegate Willett believes the science that strongly suggests that climate change is real, and he sees that Virginia is already suffering from the effects. As time goes on, sea level rise will cause even more damage to a coastal state like Virginia, and Del. Willett wants to support legislation that will help protect the environment to ensure the safety of Virginians.
Delegate Willett is facing a challenge from Republican Riley Shaia, a University of Virginia graduate and group exercise instructor. While she has stayed quiet regarding her own views on abortion, she has repeatedly expressed gratitude over being endorsed by Governor Youngkin, who hopes to implement a 15-week abortion ban. She claims to be tired of partisan politics but aligns herself with extremist politicians.
Willett is the progressive choice for this race, as he supports reproductive rights, accessible healthcare, and legislation that promotes community safety.
Delegate Willett believes that everyone should have accessible, affordable healthcare. He wants people to be taken care of by a quality health care system. He believes that there was some improvement when we expanded Medicaid, but that further measures should be taken, as too many people still do not have access to affordable health care. In addition to expanding access, he wants to increase funding for mental health care and addiction treatment. He also learned from his experience on the Board of Rx Partnership that too many people cannot access the prescriptions that they need, and he believes that this is a major problem.
Delegate Willett believes that education and adequate employment are key components in creating successful futures for people. He wants to make pre-K enrollment universal for all Virginia kids, and also improve other areas, such as funding for schools, counseling resources, and fair wages for teachers. Del. Willett wants to minimize red tape so that businesses can operate more efficiently, and he also wants to focus on job training, liveable wages, and equal pay.
Delegate Willett also supports abortion access and would vote against an abortion ban.
Additionally, he supports common sense gun violence prevention legislation that would include universal background checks, as they are a proven way to keep guns out of the hands of those who mean harm. He wants extreme risk protective orders to be enforced as well.
Delegate Willett believes the science that strongly suggests that climate change is real, and he sees that Virginia is already suffering from the effects. As time goes on, sea level rise will cause even more damage to a coastal state like Virginia, and Del. Willett wants to support legislation that will help protect the environment to ensure the safety of Virginians.
Delegate Willett is facing a challenge from Republican Riley Shaia, a University of Virginia graduate and group exercise instructor. While she has stayed quiet regarding her own views on abortion, she has repeatedly expressed gratitude over being endorsed by Governor Youngkin, who hopes to implement a 15-week abortion ban. She claims to be tired of partisan politics but aligns herself with extremist politicians.
Willett is the progressive choice for this race, as he supports reproductive rights, accessible healthcare, and legislation that promotes community safety.
Virginia’s new 58th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Henrico County. With close to 61,000 registered voters, this district leans Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Rodney Willett is facing a challenge from Republican Shaia Riley in the general election for Virginia’s new 58th House of Delegates district. Delegate Willett has served in the House of Delegates since 2020.
House District 077
Virginia’s new 77th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Richmond City and parts of Chesterfield County. With almost 55,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Democratic candidate Michael Jones is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 77th House of Delegates district. He previously served in the Richmond City Council District 9 seat.
Richmond City Councilman Mike Jones is the son of a Navy SEAL and proud Richmonders who taught him to overcome any obstacles that life can throw your way. He graduated from Maggie Walker Governor’s School. His parents taught him to never judge someone based on the superficial aspects because of what they witnessed growing up in a segregated Richmond. For most of his life, Jones has channeled the values taught to him to fight for the rights of others. He has been about the people.
Jones knows that climate change is real and that we must take action to reduce emissions and protect the public health of Richmond citizens. He believes that it is unacceptable that Richmond has some of the highest rates of asthma in the country and flooding in our neighborhoods. He also understands the need for environmental justice, as some parts of the 77th district are 10% hotter than others. He believes that we need to fight at the state level for tree canopies, greenspace, and improvements to the James River Park System. Jones has taken a pledge not to take any campaign contributions from Dominion Energy and has been endorsed by Sierra Club.
Jones has garnered a reputation of fighting for the streets. Black, White or Brown, he has sought to amplify the voices of those that are too often overlooked. In a part of the City that has been left out of so many conversations, Jones has a way of matching problems with legislation. He has shown his ability to lead during tough times by chairing the Council’s Finance Committee, calling for more fiscal responsibility. He is willing to say what so many are afraid to say in a tone of empathy and compassion. Jones tries to educate and inform while others might seek to alienate.
As a Black man, Jones knows people of color are over-represented in the criminal justice system and underrepresented in elected office. We need to rectify some of the wrongs of the past, but more importantly, stop the next generation from being pulled into the system. Jones wants to slow the school-to-prison pipeline, reform policing, help returning citizens get into the workforce, and eliminate mandatory minimum sentences. On the city council, Jones led the fight to gain local control of the Confederate Monuments in the City of Richmond. Standing alone, he endured backlash and death threats. That did not stop him. He is leading the charge for more accountability with Law Enforcement seeking to move to a true form of public safety.
Jones also supports access to abortion and feels strongly that the government should never limit access to or prevent someone from making their own reproductive choices. He also wants to give kids a pathway to the middle class by providing jobs with good benefits, a $15/hr minimum wage, and creating a great economy that works for everyone.
Councilman Jones is running unopposed, but given his stance on criminal justice reform, climate change, and racial justice, he is decidedly the progressive choice in this race.
Jones knows that climate change is real and that we must take action to reduce emissions and protect the public health of Richmond citizens. He believes that it is unacceptable that Richmond has some of the highest rates of asthma in the country and flooding in our neighborhoods. He also understands the need for environmental justice, as some parts of the 77th district are 10% hotter than others. He believes that we need to fight at the state level for tree canopies, greenspace, and improvements to the James River Park System. Jones has taken a pledge not to take any campaign contributions from Dominion Energy and has been endorsed by Sierra Club.
Jones has garnered a reputation of fighting for the streets. Black, White or Brown, he has sought to amplify the voices of those that are too often overlooked. In a part of the City that has been left out of so many conversations, Jones has a way of matching problems with legislation. He has shown his ability to lead during tough times by chairing the Council’s Finance Committee, calling for more fiscal responsibility. He is willing to say what so many are afraid to say in a tone of empathy and compassion. Jones tries to educate and inform while others might seek to alienate.
As a Black man, Jones knows people of color are over-represented in the criminal justice system and underrepresented in elected office. We need to rectify some of the wrongs of the past, but more importantly, stop the next generation from being pulled into the system. Jones wants to slow the school-to-prison pipeline, reform policing, help returning citizens get into the workforce, and eliminate mandatory minimum sentences. On the city council, Jones led the fight to gain local control of the Confederate Monuments in the City of Richmond. Standing alone, he endured backlash and death threats. That did not stop him. He is leading the charge for more accountability with Law Enforcement seeking to move to a true form of public safety.
Jones also supports access to abortion and feels strongly that the government should never limit access to or prevent someone from making their own reproductive choices. He also wants to give kids a pathway to the middle class by providing jobs with good benefits, a $15/hr minimum wage, and creating a great economy that works for everyone.
Councilman Jones is running unopposed, but given his stance on criminal justice reform, climate change, and racial justice, he is decidedly the progressive choice in this race.
Virginia’s new 77th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Richmond City and parts of Chesterfield County. With almost 55,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Democratic candidate Michael Jones is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 77th House of Delegates district. He previously served in the Richmond City Council District 9 seat.
House District 078
Virginia’s new 78th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Richmond City. With over 68,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Betsy Carr is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 78th House of Delegates district. Delegate Carr has served in the House of Delegates since 2010.
Incumbent Delegate Betsy Carr was first elected in 2009. Before serving in the legislature, she was a director of outreach for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Richmond. Additionally, she helped found the Micah Initiative, which connects faith communities and city elementary schools to provide mentors, tutors, and volunteers. She also served on the Richmond School Board and worked for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She is a grandmother of six and a mother of three.
Delegate Carr understands the urgency of the climate crisis and is working to tackle the issue in the Commonwealth. She was a patron of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which commits Virginia to using 100% renewable energy by 2050. She successfully sponsored legislation that prohibits food vendors from using harmful styrofoam food containers by 2025. She also voted in favor of tax rebates for electric vehicles. Additionally, she introduced a budget amendment to fund an urban green space at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Del. Carr is also an advocate for tenant rights and affordable housing. During COVID, she passed a bill allowing tenants to prevent their landlord from entering their home for non-emergency maintenance during a pandemic. She also worked to expand the Virginia Fair Housing Law to ensure individuals with disabilities can request accessible parking at their homes. She also helped introduce new tools for local governments to transform unused properties into affordable housing opportunities.
Del. Carr supports legislation to strengthen working families. She voted in favor of raising the minimum wage and the Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back “G3” Program, which makes community college tuition-free for low- and middle-income students who study in certain fields. She supported the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights in 2021. She also is in favor of providing paid family and medical leave and ensuring childcare and eldercare are affordable.
Del. Carr voted for critical criminal justice reforms in Virginia. She was a patron of the bill to abolish the death penalty. During the 2021 Virginia General Assembly session, she supported marijuana legalization, ending qualified immunity for law enforcement officers, and establishing a process of automatic expungement of certain criminal records. She also supported legislation requiring racial and ethnic impact statements for any form of criminal justice legislation to ensure the legislation being passed is equitable.
Del. Carr is running unopposed, but her record on criminal justice, tenant’s rights, and environmental justice prove that she remains a stalwart progressive champion.
Delegate Carr understands the urgency of the climate crisis and is working to tackle the issue in the Commonwealth. She was a patron of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which commits Virginia to using 100% renewable energy by 2050. She successfully sponsored legislation that prohibits food vendors from using harmful styrofoam food containers by 2025. She also voted in favor of tax rebates for electric vehicles. Additionally, she introduced a budget amendment to fund an urban green space at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Del. Carr is also an advocate for tenant rights and affordable housing. During COVID, she passed a bill allowing tenants to prevent their landlord from entering their home for non-emergency maintenance during a pandemic. She also worked to expand the Virginia Fair Housing Law to ensure individuals with disabilities can request accessible parking at their homes. She also helped introduce new tools for local governments to transform unused properties into affordable housing opportunities.
Del. Carr supports legislation to strengthen working families. She voted in favor of raising the minimum wage and the Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back “G3” Program, which makes community college tuition-free for low- and middle-income students who study in certain fields. She supported the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights in 2021. She also is in favor of providing paid family and medical leave and ensuring childcare and eldercare are affordable.
Del. Carr voted for critical criminal justice reforms in Virginia. She was a patron of the bill to abolish the death penalty. During the 2021 Virginia General Assembly session, she supported marijuana legalization, ending qualified immunity for law enforcement officers, and establishing a process of automatic expungement of certain criminal records. She also supported legislation requiring racial and ethnic impact statements for any form of criminal justice legislation to ensure the legislation being passed is equitable.
Del. Carr is running unopposed, but her record on criminal justice, tenant’s rights, and environmental justice prove that she remains a stalwart progressive champion.
Virginia’s new 78th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Richmond City. With over 68,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Betsy Carr is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 78th House of Delegates district. Delegate Carr has served in the House of Delegates since 2010.
House District 079
Virginia’s new 79th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Richmond City. With almost 63,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Democratic candidate Rae Cousins is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 79th House of Delegates district. There is no incumbent in this race.
Rae Cousins is a lawyer and candidate for the House of Delegates. She graduated from The College of William & Mary and Howard University School of Law. Cousins has worked at BrownGreer, a local law firm in Richmond, where she manages the administration of multi-million- and billion-dollar settlement programs for people injured by harmful drugs and medical devices and environmental disasters. She has a passion for voter registration and has worked on voter registration drives throughout the city. Cousins is endorsed by Governor Ralph Northam, Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Delegate Jay Jones, and many other organizations and unions, including the Working Families Party, Bold Progressives, and the National Women's Political Caucus of Virginia.
Cousins promises to be a strong voice for tenants’ rights. Her plans to enhance tenants' rights include increasing the inventory of affordable housing and supporting people who want to stay in their communities despite rising tax revenues and costs of living. She also seeks to keep utility prices down and address environmental hazards that disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. To achieve this, she plans to ensure more urban green space, invest in clean energy, and fight for transparency and community input in the decisions behind new development projects.
With the Commonwealth one election away from bans on abortion access, Cousins understands that the time is now to enshrine reproductive rights into law. She will advocate for the right to an abortion and the use of contraceptive methods, and she will be a champion for reproductive health on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates. She also aims to expand affordable quality healthcare for all Virginians and promote preventative healthcare, access to fresh and healthy foods, and enhanced maternal health care services. She supports or sponsors legislation aimed at ensuring paid family and medical leave and will not compromise with Republicans seeking to dismantle public healthcare for low-income Virginians and the elderly.
Cousins believes that all Virginians deserve to feel safe in our neighborhoods. As Delegate, she will work to enhance sensible gun violence prevention measures to keep our streets safe. She will also work to eradicate the school-to-prison pipeline, invest in after-school enrichment programs, provide funding for programs that support individuals with felony convictions as they reenter society, and work with community stakeholders and law enforcement to implement data driven policies that cut to the root cause of crime in our neighborhoods.
As a lawyer committed to equal justice, Cousins understands that a good education is the foundation for economic opportunity. She is committed to defending public education and to renewing our commitment to our students by modernizing technology and maintaining our school buildings. As delegate, Cousins will defend public education from Gov. Youngkin’s so-called “school choice” policies, which amount to defunding our public schools. Cousins is also committed to securing funding for career and technical skills training for Richmond’s young people, universal pre-K and early childhood care, and increased teacher pay. She will work to ensure that all students, regardless of their gender or sexual identity, feel at home in Virginia.
There are no other candidates on the ballot in this race, but given Cousins’ commitment to ensuring access to healthcare for all Virginians, her support of common sense gun violence prevention legislation, and her advocacy for tenant’s rights, Cousins is decidedly the progressive choice. This recommendation remains in line with Progress Virginia’s endorsement of Cousins in the Democratic primary.
Cousins promises to be a strong voice for tenants’ rights. Her plans to enhance tenants' rights include increasing the inventory of affordable housing and supporting people who want to stay in their communities despite rising tax revenues and costs of living. She also seeks to keep utility prices down and address environmental hazards that disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. To achieve this, she plans to ensure more urban green space, invest in clean energy, and fight for transparency and community input in the decisions behind new development projects.
With the Commonwealth one election away from bans on abortion access, Cousins understands that the time is now to enshrine reproductive rights into law. She will advocate for the right to an abortion and the use of contraceptive methods, and she will be a champion for reproductive health on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates. She also aims to expand affordable quality healthcare for all Virginians and promote preventative healthcare, access to fresh and healthy foods, and enhanced maternal health care services. She supports or sponsors legislation aimed at ensuring paid family and medical leave and will not compromise with Republicans seeking to dismantle public healthcare for low-income Virginians and the elderly.
Cousins believes that all Virginians deserve to feel safe in our neighborhoods. As Delegate, she will work to enhance sensible gun violence prevention measures to keep our streets safe. She will also work to eradicate the school-to-prison pipeline, invest in after-school enrichment programs, provide funding for programs that support individuals with felony convictions as they reenter society, and work with community stakeholders and law enforcement to implement data driven policies that cut to the root cause of crime in our neighborhoods.
As a lawyer committed to equal justice, Cousins understands that a good education is the foundation for economic opportunity. She is committed to defending public education and to renewing our commitment to our students by modernizing technology and maintaining our school buildings. As delegate, Cousins will defend public education from Gov. Youngkin’s so-called “school choice” policies, which amount to defunding our public schools. Cousins is also committed to securing funding for career and technical skills training for Richmond’s young people, universal pre-K and early childhood care, and increased teacher pay. She will work to ensure that all students, regardless of their gender or sexual identity, feel at home in Virginia.
There are no other candidates on the ballot in this race, but given Cousins’ commitment to ensuring access to healthcare for all Virginians, her support of common sense gun violence prevention legislation, and her advocacy for tenant’s rights, Cousins is decidedly the progressive choice. This recommendation remains in line with Progress Virginia’s endorsement of Cousins in the Democratic primary.
Virginia’s new 79th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Richmond City. With almost 63,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Democratic candidate Rae Cousins is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 79th House of Delegates district. There is no incumbent in this race.
House District 080
Virginia’s new 80th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Henrico City. With over 61,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Democratic candidate Destiny LeVere Bolling is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 80th House of Delegates district. This is her first general election.
Destiny LeVere Bolling is the Communications Director at Virginia AFL-CIO and chairs the Virginia Conference NAACP's Labor and Industry Committee. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, International Relations, and Latin American Iberian Studies, and a Master of Arts in International Affairs. She has completed the Emerge Virginia program and serves on Virginia's Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Commission. She is also the Secretary of the board of The Commonwealth Institute and directs her mentorship program "Destined to Be Mentorship Program."
Bolling's top priority if elected to the Virginia House of Delegates is to expand access to quality, affordable healthcare, especially for children and older adults. She aims to lower the cost of prescription drugs, expand notice and education on available care resources, streamline the process for obtaining proper certifications for home healthcare providers, enhance access to incentives for caregivers, increase funding for grants and expand access to resources for older adults, and leverage community partnerships to improve access to services for individuals in need.
Since she works at the Virginia AFL-CIO, Bolling deeply understands the struggles of working families. She has fought for equal, equitable, and safe worker rights and protections for all Virginians. She aims to improve the lives of her community by fighting for higher wages, better working conditions, comprehensive benefits, and access to opportunity. Bolling plans to protect minimum wage increases, expand unemployment insurance, ensure equitable safety and health protections on the job, increase funding for worker training programs, and build on Virginia's collective bargaining law to ensure everyone has a fair shot.
Bolling believes in building an equitable, restorative justice system where every person affected by the actions of people in the position she seeks must have a voice, including those who have paid their debts to society after being convicted of a crime. She aims to hold Governor Youngkin accountable for rolling back the restoration of rights process, assist constituents in their efforts to get their rights restored, and work with her colleagues to pass a resolution allowing for voters to consider a constitutional amendment to guarantee the automatic restoration of voting rights.
Bolling aims to build the strongest public schools in the nation and provide every child access to a top-notch public education. She plans to raise teacher pay, improve staffing ratios, increase access to reading and math volunteers and specialists, end the school-to-prison pipeline, ensure access to pre-K, increase funding for apprenticeship programs, expand vocational and technical education curricula, engage students and parents about career pathways and college funding opportunities, offer diverse career fair opportunities, and invest in incentives for individuals interested in becoming an educator in the Commonwealth.
Bolling’s only opponent in the race is Independent Michael Harned. At the time of research, we could find no information on his positions.
Because of her commitments to providing healthcare, advocating for workers’ rights, and building an equitable justice system, Bolling is the progressive choice in this race.
Bolling's top priority if elected to the Virginia House of Delegates is to expand access to quality, affordable healthcare, especially for children and older adults. She aims to lower the cost of prescription drugs, expand notice and education on available care resources, streamline the process for obtaining proper certifications for home healthcare providers, enhance access to incentives for caregivers, increase funding for grants and expand access to resources for older adults, and leverage community partnerships to improve access to services for individuals in need.
Since she works at the Virginia AFL-CIO, Bolling deeply understands the struggles of working families. She has fought for equal, equitable, and safe worker rights and protections for all Virginians. She aims to improve the lives of her community by fighting for higher wages, better working conditions, comprehensive benefits, and access to opportunity. Bolling plans to protect minimum wage increases, expand unemployment insurance, ensure equitable safety and health protections on the job, increase funding for worker training programs, and build on Virginia's collective bargaining law to ensure everyone has a fair shot.
Bolling believes in building an equitable, restorative justice system where every person affected by the actions of people in the position she seeks must have a voice, including those who have paid their debts to society after being convicted of a crime. She aims to hold Governor Youngkin accountable for rolling back the restoration of rights process, assist constituents in their efforts to get their rights restored, and work with her colleagues to pass a resolution allowing for voters to consider a constitutional amendment to guarantee the automatic restoration of voting rights.
Bolling aims to build the strongest public schools in the nation and provide every child access to a top-notch public education. She plans to raise teacher pay, improve staffing ratios, increase access to reading and math volunteers and specialists, end the school-to-prison pipeline, ensure access to pre-K, increase funding for apprenticeship programs, expand vocational and technical education curricula, engage students and parents about career pathways and college funding opportunities, offer diverse career fair opportunities, and invest in incentives for individuals interested in becoming an educator in the Commonwealth.
Bolling’s only opponent in the race is Independent Michael Harned. At the time of research, we could find no information on his positions.
Because of her commitments to providing healthcare, advocating for workers’ rights, and building an equitable justice system, Bolling is the progressive choice in this race.
Virginia’s new 80th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Henrico City. With over 61,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Democratic candidate Destiny LeVere Bolling is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 80th House of Delegates district. This is her first general election.
House District 081
Virginia’s new 81st House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Henrico City, parts of Chesterfield County, and Charles City County. With over 60,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Delores McQuinn is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 81st House of Delegates district. She has served in the House of Delegates since 2009.
Incumbent Democratic Delegate Delores McQuinn is a lifelong resident of the Richmond area and a public servant with a passion for community service. She has served in various roles throughout her career, including as Vice Chairperson of the Richmond School Board, Vice-Mayor and Vice-President of Richmond City Council, and as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. McQuinn has received numerous awards for her work, including recognition as the YWCA's Woman of the Year and the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award.
Delegate McQuinn has been a strong supporter of protecting the environment since she was first elected. Throughout her career, she has received an overall rating of 100% from both the Virginia Sierra Club and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. In the last session, she voted to expand renewable energy tax credits (SB 710--conference vote). She also took steps to prevent gentrification by Introducing HB 635, which required inclusionary housing and zoning.
Delegate McQuinn has also been a reliable voice for abortion access and bodily autonomy. She received an overall rating of 92% from REPRO Rising Virginia. In the last session, she voted against HB 212, which would have reinstated the 24 hour mandatory waiting period before a person can access abortion care. . In the session before that, she voted to repeal the abortion prohibition in VA Health Insurance Plans (HB1276), voted to establish the Reproductive Health Protection Act (HB 980) and voted against the prohibition of state funding of abortion services (HB2264).
Delegate McQuinn has also proven to be a staunch defender of immigrant rights. She voted to expand financial aid for undocumented immigrants (SB 1387), voted to authorize driver's licenses for undocumented people(SB 34, concurrence vote), voted to eliminate the requirement that jails and prisons ascertain citizenship status of inmates (HB 1150 Conference report vote), voted to authorize in-state tuition for undocumented students (SB 925), voted to prohibit law enforcement questioning and individual's immigration status (HB 262) and voted against prohibiting the establishment of sanctuary cities (HB 1257).
She has proven a reliable vote for gun violence prevention. Last session, she co-sponsored HB 2387, which establishes a refundable income tax credit for firearm safety devices, and voted against repealing the extreme risk protection order law law (HB 509). She was rated 14% by Virginia Citizens Defense League and 0% by the NRA. She voted against reducing penalties for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit and was rated 100% by LEAP Forward.
Delegate McQuinn is running unopposed, but her historic support of progressive issues such as abortion access, gun violence prevention, and immigrant rights make her the progressive choice in this race.
Delegate McQuinn has been a strong supporter of protecting the environment since she was first elected. Throughout her career, she has received an overall rating of 100% from both the Virginia Sierra Club and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. In the last session, she voted to expand renewable energy tax credits (SB 710--conference vote). She also took steps to prevent gentrification by Introducing HB 635, which required inclusionary housing and zoning.
Delegate McQuinn has also been a reliable voice for abortion access and bodily autonomy. She received an overall rating of 92% from REPRO Rising Virginia. In the last session, she voted against HB 212, which would have reinstated the 24 hour mandatory waiting period before a person can access abortion care. . In the session before that, she voted to repeal the abortion prohibition in VA Health Insurance Plans (HB1276), voted to establish the Reproductive Health Protection Act (HB 980) and voted against the prohibition of state funding of abortion services (HB2264).
Delegate McQuinn has also proven to be a staunch defender of immigrant rights. She voted to expand financial aid for undocumented immigrants (SB 1387), voted to authorize driver's licenses for undocumented people(SB 34, concurrence vote), voted to eliminate the requirement that jails and prisons ascertain citizenship status of inmates (HB 1150 Conference report vote), voted to authorize in-state tuition for undocumented students (SB 925), voted to prohibit law enforcement questioning and individual's immigration status (HB 262) and voted against prohibiting the establishment of sanctuary cities (HB 1257).
She has proven a reliable vote for gun violence prevention. Last session, she co-sponsored HB 2387, which establishes a refundable income tax credit for firearm safety devices, and voted against repealing the extreme risk protection order law law (HB 509). She was rated 14% by Virginia Citizens Defense League and 0% by the NRA. She voted against reducing penalties for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit and was rated 100% by LEAP Forward.
Delegate McQuinn is running unopposed, but her historic support of progressive issues such as abortion access, gun violence prevention, and immigrant rights make her the progressive choice in this race.
Virginia’s new 81st House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Henrico City, parts of Chesterfield County, and Charles City County. With over 60,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.
This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Delores McQuinn is running unopposed in the general election for Virginia’s new 81st House of Delegates district. She has served in the House of Delegates since 2009.