Progressive Voters Guide

State Senate

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below State Senate races on your ballot.

Senate District 013

State Senator

Democrat
Lashrecse Aird

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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

Lashrecse Aird

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.

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.

Lashrecse Aird

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.

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

Democrat
Lashrecse Aird

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram Twitter
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

State Senator

Democrat
Lamont Bagby

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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

Lamont Bagby

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.

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.

Lamont Bagby

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.

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

Democrat
Lamont Bagby

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram Twitter
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 016

State Senator

Democrat
Schuyler VanValkenburg

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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

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

Last updated: 2023-09-21

Democrat
Schuyler VanValkenburg

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram Twitter
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

Last updated: 2023-09-21

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

Delegate

Democrat
Susanna Gibson

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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 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.

Last updated: 2023-09-21

Democrat
Susanna Gibson

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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.

Last updated: 2023-09-21

House District 058

Delegate

Democrat
Rodney Willett

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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.

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.

Last updated: 2023-09-21

Democrat
Rodney Willett

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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.

Last updated: 2023-09-21

House District 059

Delegate

Democrat
Rachel Levy

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Rachel Levy ran for the 55th district in 2019, and through community engagement, helped to increase voter turnout to 30 percent. She personally visited every precinct within the district, and due to redistricting, she is now running for the 59th district. Levy was raised by two civil rights lawyers, which sparked her passion for civic engagement that inspired her to earn her doctorate in educational leadership and policy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Levy is a leader in the group Together Hanover, and she is a member of the Hanover Democratic Committee and the Hanover NAACP. She is also a Jury Commissioner for the Ashland District of Hanover, and she serves on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The list covering her involvement in Virginia government is extensive, and it includes a number of committees, local councils, and a board of directors.

Levy is an experienced educator and leader in in her field, holding a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy. She has classroom experience and policy expertise, and her dedication to promoting equity within our public education system benefits all types of students. She advocates for policies that benefit students of color, special needs students, English Language Learners, and low-income students. She also wants increased salaries for teachers and protections for trans and non-binary students. Levy believes that laws should be developed and enforced for the purpose of ensuring the safety and funding of schools, including the improvement of buildings’ quality.

Levy wants accessible healthcare for everyone, which includes lowered or capped drug prices, expanding access to medicaid, funding and resources for mental health services, including for substance abuse disorders. She also supports the protection of reproductive rights and expanding access to abortion and contraception. Levy believes that racial disparities need to be addressed along with socio-economic and gender-based disparities in access to healthcare.

Rachel Levy supports responsible gun ownership, and she wants to uplift the need for legislation that aims to prevent injuries and deaths from gun accidents, deaths by suicide, along with gun violence. Levy also wants gun safety training for gun owners, extreme risk protection orders, secure storage policies, along with other policies to ensure the safety of members in the community.

Buddy Fowler is a Republican who has served the 55th District since 2014. He is a graduate of Hermitage High School, and he is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Mary Washington with a degree in History. He serves as the Vice Chair of Finance and he is Chair of Subcommittee 2 for Local Taxation in the House of Delegates. He also serves on a number of other committees. Fowler voted against notices that would protect renters from rising rent without adequate notice, and he also supported legislation to restrict privacy and participation in sports for trans children. He also sponsored a bill to allow anyone with a concealed handgun permit to be exempted from the one-gun-a-month law.

Rachel Levy is the progressive choice for this race, as she maintains an extensive platform, which includes gun safety, reproductive rights, and accessible healthcare.

Last updated: 2023-10-27

Rachel Levy

Rachel Levy ran for the 55th district in 2019, and through community engagement, helped to increase voter turnout to 30 percent. She personally visited every precinct within the district, and due to redistricting, she is now running for the 59th district.

Rachel Levy ran for the 55th district in 2019, and through community engagement, helped to increase voter turnout to 30 percent. She personally visited every precinct within the district, and due to redistricting, she is now running for the 59th district. Levy was raised by two civil rights lawyers, which sparked her passion for civic engagement that inspired her to earn her doctorate in educational leadership and policy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Levy is a leader in the group Together Hanover, and she is a member of the Hanover Democratic Committee and the Hanover NAACP. She is also a Jury Commissioner for the Ashland District of Hanover, and she serves on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The list covering her involvement in Virginia government is extensive, and it includes a number of committees, local councils, and a board of directors.

Levy is an experienced educator and leader in in her field, holding a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy. She has classroom experience and policy expertise, and her dedication to promoting equity within our public education system benefits all types of students. She advocates for policies that benefit students of color, special needs students, English Language Learners, and low-income students. She also wants increased salaries for teachers and protections for trans and non-binary students. Levy believes that laws should be developed and enforced for the purpose of ensuring the safety and funding of schools, including the improvement of buildings’ quality.

Levy wants accessible healthcare for everyone, which includes lowered or capped drug prices, expanding access to medicaid, funding and resources for mental health services, including for substance abuse disorders. She also supports the protection of reproductive rights and expanding access to abortion and contraception. Levy believes that racial disparities need to be addressed along with socio-economic and gender-based disparities in access to healthcare.

Rachel Levy supports responsible gun ownership, and she wants to uplift the need for legislation that aims to prevent injuries and deaths from gun accidents, deaths by suicide, along with gun violence. Levy also wants gun safety training for gun owners, extreme risk protection orders, secure storage policies, along with other policies to ensure the safety of members in the community.

Buddy Fowler is a Republican who has served the 55th District since 2014. He is a graduate of Hermitage High School, and he is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Mary Washington with a degree in History. He serves as the Vice Chair of Finance and he is Chair of Subcommittee 2 for Local Taxation in the House of Delegates. He also serves on a number of other committees. Fowler voted against notices that would protect renters from rising rent without adequate notice, and he also supported legislation to restrict privacy and participation in sports for trans children. He also sponsored a bill to allow anyone with a concealed handgun permit to be exempted from the one-gun-a-month law.

Rachel Levy is the progressive choice for this race, as she maintains an extensive platform, which includes gun safety, reproductive rights, and accessible healthcare.

Rachel Levy

Rachel Levy ran for the 55th district in 2019, and through community engagement, helped to increase voter turnout to 30 percent. She personally visited every precinct within the district, and due to redistricting, she is now running for the 59th district.

Rachel Levy ran for the 55th district in 2019, and through community engagement, helped to increase voter turnout to 30 percent. She personally visited every precinct within the district, and due to redistricting, she is now running for the 59th district. Levy was raised by two civil rights lawyers, which sparked her passion for civic engagement that inspired her to earn her doctorate in educational leadership and policy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Levy is a leader in the group Together Hanover, and she is a member of the Hanover Democratic Committee and the Hanover NAACP. She is also a Jury Commissioner for the Ashland District of Hanover, and she serves on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The list covering her involvement in Virginia government is extensive, and it includes a number of committees, local councils, and a board of directors.

Levy is an experienced educator and leader in in her field, holding a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy. She has classroom experience and policy expertise, and her dedication to promoting equity within our public education system benefits all types of students. She advocates for policies that benefit students of color, special needs students, English Language Learners, and low-income students. She also wants increased salaries for teachers and protections for trans and non-binary students. Levy believes that laws should be developed and enforced for the purpose of ensuring the safety and funding of schools, including the improvement of buildings’ quality.

Levy wants accessible healthcare for everyone, which includes lowered or capped drug prices, expanding access to medicaid, funding and resources for mental health services, including for substance abuse disorders. She also supports the protection of reproductive rights and expanding access to abortion and contraception. Levy believes that racial disparities need to be addressed along with socio-economic and gender-based disparities in access to healthcare.

Rachel Levy supports responsible gun ownership, and she wants to uplift the need for legislation that aims to prevent injuries and deaths from gun accidents, deaths by suicide, along with gun violence. Levy also wants gun safety training for gun owners, extreme risk protection orders, secure storage policies, along with other policies to ensure the safety of members in the community.

Buddy Fowler is a Republican who has served the 55th District since 2014. He is a graduate of Hermitage High School, and he is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Mary Washington with a degree in History. He serves as the Vice Chair of Finance and he is Chair of Subcommittee 2 for Local Taxation in the House of Delegates. He also serves on a number of other committees. Fowler voted against notices that would protect renters from rising rent without adequate notice, and he also supported legislation to restrict privacy and participation in sports for trans children. He also sponsored a bill to allow anyone with a concealed handgun permit to be exempted from the one-gun-a-month law.

Rachel Levy is the progressive choice for this race, as she maintains an extensive platform, which includes gun safety, reproductive rights, and accessible healthcare.

Last updated: 2023-10-27

Democrat
Rachel Levy

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram Twitter
Rachel Levy ran for the 55th district in 2019, and through community engagement, helped to increase voter turnout to 30 percent. She personally visited every precinct within the district, and due to redistricting, she is now running for the 59th district. Levy was raised by two civil rights lawyers, which sparked her passion for civic engagement that inspired her to earn her doctorate in educational leadership and policy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Levy is a leader in the group Together Hanover, and she is a member of the Hanover Democratic Committee and the Hanover NAACP. She is also a Jury Commissioner for the Ashland District of Hanover, and she serves on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The list covering her involvement in Virginia government is extensive, and it includes a number of committees, local councils, and a board of directors.

Levy is an experienced educator and leader in in her field, holding a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy. She has classroom experience and policy expertise, and her dedication to promoting equity within our public education system benefits all types of students. She advocates for policies that benefit students of color, special needs students, English Language Learners, and low-income students. She also wants increased salaries for teachers and protections for trans and non-binary students. Levy believes that laws should be developed and enforced for the purpose of ensuring the safety and funding of schools, including the improvement of buildings’ quality.

Levy wants accessible healthcare for everyone, which includes lowered or capped drug prices, expanding access to medicaid, funding and resources for mental health services, including for substance abuse disorders. She also supports the protection of reproductive rights and expanding access to abortion and contraception. Levy believes that racial disparities need to be addressed along with socio-economic and gender-based disparities in access to healthcare.

Rachel Levy supports responsible gun ownership, and she wants to uplift the need for legislation that aims to prevent injuries and deaths from gun accidents, deaths by suicide, along with gun violence. Levy also wants gun safety training for gun owners, extreme risk protection orders, secure storage policies, along with other policies to ensure the safety of members in the community.

Buddy Fowler is a Republican who has served the 55th District since 2014. He is a graduate of Hermitage High School, and he is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Mary Washington with a degree in History. He serves as the Vice Chair of Finance and he is Chair of Subcommittee 2 for Local Taxation in the House of Delegates. He also serves on a number of other committees. Fowler voted against notices that would protect renters from rising rent without adequate notice, and he also supported legislation to restrict privacy and participation in sports for trans children. He also sponsored a bill to allow anyone with a concealed handgun permit to be exempted from the one-gun-a-month law.

Rachel Levy is the progressive choice for this race, as she maintains an extensive platform, which includes gun safety, reproductive rights, and accessible healthcare.

Last updated: 2023-10-27

House District 080

Delegate

Democrat
Destiny LeVere Bolling

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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.

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.

Last updated: 2023-10-06

Democrat
Destiny LeVere Bolling

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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.

Last updated: 2023-10-06

House District 081

Delegate

Democrat
Delores McQuinn

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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.

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.

Last updated: 2023-10-06

Democrat
Delores McQuinn

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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.

Last updated: 2023-10-06

State Senate

Lashrecse Aird

Lamont Bagby

Schuyler VanValkenburg

House of Delegates

Susanna Gibson

Rodney Willett

Rachel Levy

Destiny LeVere Bolling

Delores McQuinn

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