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Nottoway County

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Election Day November 7, 2023
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th

The Virginia Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. All research in this guide was conducted July through September of 2023. Please share this guide with your friends and family.

Senate District 009

Incumbent Republican Senator Frank Ruff has voted against immigrant communities at every opportunity and has an anti-choice record. He also opposes commonsense gun violence prevention measures. He voted against raising the minimum wage. He vocally opposed Medicaid expansion in Virginia and drew vocal condemnation for racist remarks about the proposal in 2014. In the 2023 General Assembly, he co-patroned anti-trans legislation that would impact trans athletes. He also co-patroned several bills that would make voting less accessible.

Because Senator Ruff is running unopposed, there is no recommendation in this race. We encourage you to show up and vote by writing in a candidate. Remember, there are other races in this year’s elections.

Incumbent Republican Senator Frank Ruff has voted against immigrant communities at every opportunity and has an anti-choice record. He also opposes commonsense gun violence prevention measures. He voted against raising the minimum wage. He vocally opposed Medicaid expansion in Virginia and drew vocal condemnation for racist remarks about the proposal in 2014. In the 2023 General Assembly, he co-patroned anti-trans legislation that would impact trans athletes. He also co-patroned several bills that would make voting less accessible.

Because Senator Ruff is running unopposed, there is no recommendation in this race. We encourage you to show up and vote by writing in a candidate. Remember, there are other races in this year’s elections.

House District 072

Virginia’s new 72nd House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Chesterfield County, Powhatan County, Amelia County, and Nottoway County. With almost 69,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Republican.

This election will be held on November 7, 2023. Incumbent Republican Delegate Lee Ware is facing a challenge from Democrat Bilal Raychouni in the general election for Virginia’s new 72nd House of Delegates district. Delegate Ware has served in the House of Delegates since 1998.

Bilal Raychouni is a filmmaker, educator, and self-described social media expert. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Media Arts: Film Production and Minor in Psychology from Emerson College and a Master of Arts in Film/Cinema/Video Studies from George Mason University. Since graduating, he has been deeply involved in multiple creative communities. He has been an educator for Powhatan County Public Schools for the last two years.

Raychouni does not have a website with any listed positions, but he does list some positions and a host of endorsements across his social media accounts. He signed the 2023 Pledge to Refuse Dominion and Appalachian Power Contributions and earned himself an endorsement from Eric Holder and the National Resources Defense Council.

His commitments to providing quality healthcare and ensuring equality for all Virginians earned him endorsements from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, the Committee to Protect Healthcare, and Equality Virginia. He has also been an outspoken supporter of Black Lives Matter.

Raychouni pledges to be the candidate for working families. He’s stood with SAG-AFTRA striking workers, attending rallies alongside them, and has received an endorsement from the Virginia AFL-CIO for his advocacy. He also received an endorsement from Family Friendly Virginia for his pro-working family beliefs, including paid family and medical leave, quality child care, earned sick days, and affordable long-term care.

Raychouni is challenging Incumbent Republican Delegate Lee Ware , a retired teacher who has represented the 65th District since 1998. Ware opposed expanding affordable health coverage in 2018. He also voted against raising the minimum wage, abolishing the death penalty, and legalizing marijuana. Additionally, Ware opposes abortion access and prohibiting voter discrimination in the Commonwealth.

Because of his support for working families, his views on healthcare, and his positions on environmental protection, Raychouni is the progressive choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-10-06