City of Virginia Beach

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Republican incumbent Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and former Democratic US Representative Abigail Spanberger will face each other in the general election for Governor of Virginia.

The Democratic nominee for Governor, Abigail Spanberger actually fights to expand healthcare and reproductive freedom instead of rolling over when conservatives threaten to restrict abortion rights. She’s committed to investing in clean energy, holding polluters accountable, and reducing energy costs for working families. Her gun-safety agenda goes far beyond “thoughts and prayers,” taking on the NRA head-on instead of cashing their donation checks. Spanberger’s pragmatic progressive vision gives suburban moderates and left-leaners tired of corporate centrism and culture-war theatrics a real reason to show up.

The Opposition

The Republican nominee for Governor, Winsome Earle-Sears is all about slashing taxes for big corporations while telling unemployed workers that losing a job is “no big deal.” She grandstands against critical race theory and “woke” classrooms to score culture-war points instead of tackling real education challenges. By waving her Marine Corps credentials, she sells herself as the ultimate tough-on-crime candidate, conveniently ignoring how lax gun laws endanger communities. Her true believers are MAGA zealots who think banning books, rolling back reproductive freedoms, and erasing civil liberties are more important than looking out for working families.

Recommendation

Due to her advocacy for abortion access, gun violence prevention, and clean energy, Abigail Spanberger is the progressive candidate in this race.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Democratic Virginia State Senator Ghazala Hashmi and Republican John Reid will face each other in the general election for Lt. Governor of Virginia.

The Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor, Ghazala Hashmi is fighting to pump real money into public schools instead of the right’s perennial budget cuts and culture-war book bans. She defends reproductive freedom and Medicaid expansion for working families while conservatives keep dialing back healthcare access and waving anti-abortion placards. Her clean-energy agenda and environmental-justice bills actually target polluters, not the customary GOP handouts to pipeline lobbyists. Dreamers, suburban progressives fed up with partisan hijinks, and anyone who’d trade culture-war theatrics for equity and opportunity will cheer her unapologetic stand for Virginia’s working families.

The Opposition

The Republican nominee for Lt. Governor, John Reid is a self-styled small-government crusader who’ll happily cut taxes for wealthy donors while pretending he’s doing the same for working Virginians. He rails against “woke” curriculum and critical race theory, because apparently teaching actual American history is more offensive to him than runaway inequality. He touts law-and-order credentials and celebrity as a conservative radio host, hawking gun rights like they’re the ultimate public-safety strategy. He even plans to torpedo constitutional protections for same-sex marriage, proving that an openly gay candidate will stab his own community in the back for party unity, the perfect pick for culture-war diehards who prefer corporate giveaways to real solutions for working families.

Recommendation

Due to her advocacy for public education, abortion access, and environmental justice, Ghazala Hashmi is the progressive candidate in this race.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares faces a challenge from former Democratic Virginia State Delegate Jay Jones.

The Democratic nominee for Attorney General, Jay Jones has pledged to sue the Trump administration every time it infringes on the rights of Virginians. He’s secured victories for abortion access, expanded Medicaid to cover thousands more Virginians, and even wrote anti-price-gouging measures to keep corporate vultures in check. His public-safety plan pairs smart gun-violence prevention and community-based crime interventions rather than recycling the right’s tired “lock ’em up” mantra for political ads. Grassroots progressives, consumer-rights advocates, and anyone sick of endless culture-war stunts will line up behind a candidate who actually puts families over fear-mongering theatrics.

The Opposition

Incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares cozies up to ICE, shaming local authorities who don’t cooperate with Trump’s policies of mass deportation, because terrorizing immigrant families is apparently his idea of due process. He grandstands on opioid crackdowns but turns a blind eye to corporate-friendly loopholes that keep the drug pipeline flowing. He bills himself as a federalism champion when suing Washington over environmental rules, conveniently ignoring states’ rights whenever big donors flash a check. His true believers are tough-on-crime zealots who think more ICE raids, harsher sentencing, and tax cuts for the wealthy are the pinnacle of compassionate governance.

Recommendation

Due to his advocacy for abortion access, gun violence prevention, and Medicaid coverage, Jay Jones is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new 95th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Virginia Beach City and parts of Norfolk City. With over 57,000 registered voters, this district leans Democratic.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Democratic Delegate Alex Askew is running for reelection unopposed in HD-95.

Virginia's House District 95 includes portions of the cities of Virginia Beach and Norfolk. In the 2024 election it remained strongly Democratic by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democratic Delegate Alex Q. Askew is a Hampton University history graduate from Virginia Beach. He has served since 2024 and served previously from 2020–2022. He was Chief of Staff in the House of Delegates. Known for his legislative effectiveness, he pioneered policies including missing person alerts and expanded Medicaid.
Committee Assignments: Appropriations; Counties, Cities, and Towns (Subcommittees #3 Chair); Education 

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
- Co-patroned a bill to raise teacher pay to the national average
- Voted to increase protections and support for cyberbullying
- Co-sponsored a bill to authorize public colleges and universities to prohibit guns on school property
- Voted to require schools to create transgender-student friendly policies
- Co-sponsored a bill to raise teacher pay to the national average

Economy and Inflation
- Voted to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Co-patroned a bill to establish paid medical and family leave
- Co-patroned a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Voted to establish regulatory bodies for the cannabis industry in Virginia
- Voted to establish frameworks to preserve local housing
- Voted for the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Health and Human Services
- Voted to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
- Voted to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control
- Voted to require health insurance plans to cover birth control

Other Issues
- Voted to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and possession of assault-style weapons
- Co-sponsored a bill to establish regulations for “high-risk” AI
- Voted to authorize Ranked Choice Voting for certain local elections

Recommendation

This is an uncontested race. Based on his history of advocating for quality, affordable healthcare, gun violence prevention, and workers' rights, Delegate Askew is a progressive candidate.

Virginia’s new 96th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Virginia Beach City. With over 59,000 registered voters, this district leans Democratic.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler faces a challenge from Republican Kyle Pasquarella in HD-96.

Virginia's House District 96 is located entirely within the City of Virginia Beach. In the 2024 election it remained Democratic by double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democratic Delegate Kelly K. Convirs-Fowler is a teacher and real estate professional turned legislator, serving in the House of Delegates since 2018. A Virginia Beach native and first-generation college graduate, she holds degrees in psychology, criminal justice, and education.
Committee Assignments: Education (Early Childhood Subcommittee Chair), Labor and Commerce (Subcommittee #2)

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
- Voted to raise teacher pay to the national average
- Voted to increase protections and support for cyberbullying
- Voted to authorize public colleges and universities to prohibit guns on school property
- Voted against a “forced outing” bill targeting transgender students

Economy and Inflation
- Co-patroned a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Voted to establish paid medical and family leave
- Co-patroned a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Co-patroned a bill to establish a regulated and taxed cannabis industry in Virginia
- Voted to establish frameworks to preserve local housing
- Voted to establish the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Health and Human Services
- Voted to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
- Voted to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control
- Voted to require health insurance plans to cover birth control

Other Issues
- Voted against a bill to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and possession of assault-style weapons
- Voted to establish regulations for “high-risk” AI
- Co-sponsored a bill to authorize Ranked Choice Voting for certain local elections

The Opposition

Republican Kyle Pasquarella is a U.S. Navy veteran. Prior to enlisting, he graduated from Southern Connecticut State University. After moving to Virginia Beach, he graduated from Regent University School of Law and reenlisted in the Navy Reserves. Pasquarella is the executive director of Virginians for Reconciliation.

Education
Kyle Pasquarella argues that “the Constitution of Virginia guarantees a free, high-quality public education for all, yet we have failed to fulfill that promise.” He plans to explore school choice and create an education system that allows parents to have more say. He considers the Federal government’s slashing of the Department of Education “returning education policy back to the states”.

Economy and Inflation
Pasquarella wants to cut costs for businesses and pledges to lower taxes and the cost of living. He promises to propose and vote for legislation to lower taxes and spending.

Health and Human Services
Pasquarella applauded the Supreme Court’s decision to ban gender-affirming care for transgender children.

Other Issues
Pasquarella blames LA riots on “lawlessness” and immigration and pledges to support ICE’s efforts.

Recommendation

Based on her history of advocating for workers' rights, quality affordable healthcare, and abortion access, Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new 97th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Virginia Beach City. With over 63,000 registered voters, this is a competitive district that doesn’t lean in one direction or another.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Michael Feggans faces a challenge from former Republican Delegate Tim Anderson in HD-97.

Virginia's House District 97 is located entirely within the City of Virginia Beach. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carryied the district by about ten points each.

Incumbent Democratic Delegate Michael B. “Mike” Feggans is a U.S. Air Force veteran, cybersecurity expert, and tech entrepreneur. Raised in Virginia Beach and educated in healthcare and cybersecurity, he now leads a local tech firm and has served as a Delegate since 2024. His legislative efforts prioritize veterans, education, climate action, and housing.
Committee Assignments: Labor and Commerce, Public Safety, Transportation

Education
- Voted to raise teacher pay to the national average
- Chief co-sponsored a bill to raise teacher pay to the national average
- Voted to increase protections and support for cyberbullying
- Co-sponsored a bill to authorize public colleges and universities to prohibit guns on school property

Economy and Inflation
- Voted to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027 
- Voted to establish paid family and medical leave
- Co-patroned a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Voted to establish a regulated and taxed cannabis industry in Virginia
- Voted to establish frameworks to preserve local housing
- Voted to establish the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Health and Human Services
- Voted to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
- Voted to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved contraceptives
- Co-patroned a bill to establish paid medical and family leave
- Voted to require health insurance plans to cover contraceptives
Other Issues
Key legislation:
- Voted to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and possession of assault-style weapons
- Patroned a bill to require secure storage of firearms in households with minors
- Co-sponsored a bill to establish regulations for “high-risk” AI
- Voted to to authorize Ranked Choice Voting for certain local elections

The Opposition

Former Republican Delegate Tim Anderson was elected to the House of Delegates in 2021. He resigned in 2023 and unsuccessfully ran for a Virginia State Senate seat. He is an attorney and owner of a gun store. He previously served on the Tidewater Bankruptcy Bar and was a member of the Davis Corner Rescue Squad. He earned a degree in economics from the University of Tampa and a law degree from Regent University. He is the father of two. 

Constitutional Amendments
Tim Anderson stated his support for letting voters decide on HJ 1, which would enshrine reproductive rights in the Virginia Constitution. However, he has also stated he would not vote for bills that expand or restrict abortion access. 

Education
Previous versions of Tim Anderson’s website indicated his support for using taxpayer money to fund private education.

Economy and Inflation
Anderson vows the first bill he sponsors will be to end the car tax. He is opposed to collective bargaining and the right to unionize. He referred to the impact of federal firings on Virginia as a “slight uptick in unemployment.”

Health and Human Services
Anderson does not support expanding abortion access. He does not support creating a prescription drug affordability board.

Other Issues
Tim Anderson has voiced support for ICE detaining people who show up for traffic court. He does not support commonsense gun violence prevention measures and criticized his opponent for hosting a “Gun Violence Awareness Month” community event.

Recommendation

Based on his history of advocating for quality public education, affordable housing, and workers' rights, Delegate Mike Feggans is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new 98th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Virginia Beach City. With over 64,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Republican.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Republican Delegate Barry Knight faces a challenge from Democrat Cheryl Smith for HD-98.

Virginia's House District 98 is located entirely within the City of Virginia Beach's Southeast coastal region. In the 2024 election it remained Republican by double-digit margins.

Cheryl Bubeck Smith is a longtime Virginia Beach educator and community volunteer who served 38 years in Chesapeake Public Schools. A graduate of James Madison University, she is running as the Democratic candidate for District 98 of the Virginia House of Delegates. Her campaign pillars include education, veterans’ services, housing security, reproductive and marriage equality, and environmental protection.

Constitutional Amendments
Cheryl Smith will support HJ 1, which would enshrine reproductive rights in the Virginia Constitution and HJ 9, which would repeal the Commonwealth’s defunct same-sex marriage ban and guarantee marriage equality for LGBTQ+ Virginians.

Education
Cheryl Smith was a teacher for 38 years. She believes that public funds must stay in public schools. She advocates for funding to provide free breakfasts and lunches for any student in need of assistance. She wants Virginia legislators to step up to ensure at-risk students have every opportunity to succeed.

Economy and Inflation
Smith acknowledges that many Virginians struggle to find decent, affordable housing and that wages haven’t kept up with the cost of living increases. She wants to make it easier and cheaper to apply to rent an apartment. She advocates for securing SNAP benefits and keeping local food banks funded. 

Health and Human Services
Smith wants to guarantee quality health care for pregnant people. Additionally, she wants to protect doctors and healthcare workers from prosecution or losing their jobs for providing care.

Smith recognizes the threat of climate change and wants to preserve the 98th district’s nature.

Other Issues
Smith pledges to “always vote to support legislation that helps improve the lives of our veterans and our military families.”

She signed the Money Out of Politics Movement’s “Integrity Pledge,” committing to reject all PAC and corporate donations, disclose every donor in real time, and serve the people of Virginia without influence from special interests.

The Opposition

Incumbent Republican Barry Knight was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2009. He is a lifelong agricultural entrepreneur and has served on several boards related to agriculture and pork production, such as Tidewater Pork Producers, Virginia Pork Board, and Virginia Beach Farm Bureau. He holds an honorary Doctorate from Old Dominion University. He and his wife live in Pungo and have three sons and four grandchildren.

Constitutional Amendments
Delegate Knight voted against Constitutional Amendments to enshrine abortion rights, restore voting rights to returning citizens, and enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution.

Education
- Voted against raising teacher pay to the national average
- Voted for a “forced outing” bill targeting transgender students

Economy and Inflation
- Voted against increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Did not vote on a bill establishing paid family and medical leave
- Did not vote on a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Voted against establishing a regulated and taxed Virginia cannabis industry
- Voted against prohibiting landlords from requiring tenants to cover extra fees
- Voted to establish frameworks for preserving local housing
- Voted against establishing the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Health and Human Services
- Voted against establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
- Did not vote on a bill establishing the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control
- Did not vote on a bill requiring insurance providers to cover birth control

Other Issues
- Voted against a bill that would require secure storage of guns in households where children live
- Did not vote on a bill establishing regulations for “high-risk” AI
- Did not vote on a bill establishing Ranked Choice Voting for certain local elections

Recommendation

Based on her advocacy for quality public education, protecting abortion access and providers, and affordable housing, Cheryl Smith is the progressive candidate in this race. It is also worth noting that Delegate Knight did not vote on several key bills.

Virginia’s new 99th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Virginia Beach City. With almost 65,000 registered voters, this district leans Republican.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Republican Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata faces a challenge from Democrat Cat Porterfield for HD-99.

Virginia's House District 99 is located entirely within the City of Virginia Beach's Northeast coastal region. In the 2024 election it leaned Republican by single-digit margins.

Cat A. Porterfield is a seasoned journalist-turned-realtor running as the Democratic candidate for Virginia’s 99th House District. A champion for affordable housing, public education, and government transparency, she’s built her leadership through a career exposing corruption and uplifting her Virginia Beach community. A Navy wife, mother, and grandmother.

Constitutional Amendments
Cat Porterfield will support HJ 1, the Constitutional Amendment to enshrine abortion rights.

Education
Cat Porterfield likens book banning to the disastrous No Child Left Behind policy. She supports fully funding public schools and ensuring teachers are paid fairly. She abhors Republicans’ attempts to force gender conformity onto students and teachers. She believes all students deserve safe, inclusive learning environments where they feel supported and are equipped to thrive.

Economy and Inflation
Porterfield understands the importance of sustainable, clean water and acknowledges the threat of sea level rise. She pledges to propose and support measures to decrease water pollution, safeguard wetlands and water bodies, and encourage responsible water usage. She aims to boost the adoption of eco-friendly transportation choices.

She is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture, including supporting the growth and sale of marijuana. She opposes reversing marijuana decriminalization and intends to aid farmers in entering the industry through programs and incentives akin to tobacco farming support in the past, recognizing marijuana's medicinal value.

Health and Human Services
Porterfield believes access to affordable, quality healthcare is a fundamental right and will advocate for policies that lower prescription drug costs. She pledged to make no law or put forward any votes restricting a woman’s access to abortion.

Other Issues
Porterfield supports a multifaceted approach to gun violence prevention.

She called out her opponent for inserting her personal religious beliefs into her politics and promises that she will protect the LGBTQ+ community.

The Opposition

Incumbent Republican Anne Ferrell Tata has served since in the House of Delegates since January 2022. She is a Florida State University alumna, former medical sales representative, and long-term Virginia Beach resident.

Constitutional Amendments
Delegate Tata voted against Constitutional Amendments to enshrine abortion rights, restore voting rights to returning citizens, and enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution.

Education
- Voted against authorizing public colleges and universities to prohibit guns on school property
- Voted for an anti-trans “forced outing” bill

Economy and Inflation
- Voted against increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Voted against establishing paid family and medical leave
- Voted against repealing prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Voted against establishing a regulated and taxed Virginia cannabis industry
- Voted against prohibiting landlords from requiring tenants cover various extra fees
- Voted against establishing the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Health and Human Services
- Voted against establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
- Voted against establishing the right to access and use FDA-approved contraceptives
- Voted against requiring insurance providers cover contraceptives

Other Issues
- Voted against a bill that would require secure storage of firearms in households with minors
- Voted against a bill establishing regulations for “high-risk” AI
- Voted against establishing Ranked Choice Voting for certain local elections

Recommendation

Based on her support for quality public education, environmental protections, and access to quality, affordable healthcare, Cat Porterfield is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new 100th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Virginia Beach City, Accomack County, and Northampton County. With just over 63,000 registered voters, this district leans Republican.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Republican Delegate Rob Bloxom, Jr. faces a challenge from Democrat Liz Richardson for HD-100.

Virginia's House District 100 includes the Eastern Shore counties of Accomack and Northampton, as well as a small sliver of the City of Virginia Beach. In the 2024 election it leaned Republican by single-digit margins.

Liz Richardson is an Eastern Shore native from a family of farmers, watermen, teachers, and first responders. She is a farmer advocate, chaplain, and educator with experience in education, nonprofit leadership, healthcare, and spiritual care. She has served as a farm advocacy program manager and holds a B.A. and M.A. from Virginia Tech, and a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University School of Divinity.

Education
Liz Richardson previously worked as an educator and advocates for investing in education.

Economy and Inflation
Richardson supports affordable housing initiatives and is a strong advocate for rural Virginians, farmers, and food programs. She pledges to increase job opportunities on the Shore.

She previously worked as a farmer advocate, but was let go as a result of Trump’s budget cuts. Consequently, she calls out these cuts for eliminating over $1 billion in support for initiatives that provided local produce to schools and food pantries, among others.

Health and Human Services
Richardson pledges to protect and expand healthcare access.

Other Issues
Richardson attended protests calling out ICE for violating human rights. She pledges to stand up for civil rights.

The Opposition

Incumbent Republican Delegate Rob Bloxom was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2014. He graduated from the University of Richmond and is the owner of a third-generation family business. He owns three auto stores and a seafood company. He and his wife live in the Parksley area of the Eastern Shore and have three children.

Constitutional Amendments
Delegate Bloxom voted against Constitutional Amendments to enshrine abortion rights and restore voting rights to returning citizens.

Education
- Voted against authorizing public colleges and universities to prohibit guns on school property
- Voted for a “forced outing” bill targeting transgender students

Economy and Inflation
- Voted against increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Voted against establishing paid family and medical leave
- Voted against repealing prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Voted against establishing a regulated and taxed Virginia cannabis industry
- Voted against prohibiting landlords from requiring tenants to cover extra fees
- Voted against establishing the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Health and Human Services
- Voted against establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
- Voted against establishing the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control
- Voted against requiring insurance providers to cover birth control

Other Issues
- Voted against establishing regulations for “high-risk” AI
- Voted against establishing Ranked Choice Voting for certain local elections
- Voted against requiring secure storage of guns in households where children live

Recommendation

Based on her commitment to expanding healthcare access, standing up for immigrant rights, and supporting affordable housing efforts, Liz Richardson is the progressive candidate in this race.