Washington D.C. – People For the American Way is proud to endorse an initial slate of 17 outstanding progressive candidates in the 2023 Virginia legislative races. People For President Svante Myrick and National Political Director Markus Batchelor released the following statements:
“We are incredibly excited about the slate we are endorsing today in the Virginia legislative elections,” said People For the American Way President Svante Myrick. “These candidates embody progressive values and will fight for Virginians against the far-right authoritarian agenda of the Youngkin administration. People For will be with these candidates from now until election day, knocking on doors, spreading the word and mobilizing the strength of our members in Virginia behind them.”
“People For is proud of our history in helping to flip the Virginia General Assembly to Democratic leadership in 2019 and we are ready to help win back the House of Delegates and keep the Senate this year,” said People For the American Way National Political Director Markus Batchelor. “We’re endorsing a diverse slate of candidates who care deeply about creating opportunity for all Virginians.”
People For’s first slate of endorsements comprises seven candidates for State Senate and 10 for the House of Delegates. Candidates are from diverse backgrounds; 53% are women, 53% are people of color, 24% worked as educators or in the field of social work and 18% served in the military or as first responders.
View all endorsee bios here.
House of Delegates
- Joshua Thomas, House of Delegates, District 21
- Travis Nembhard, House of Delegates, District 22
- Mady Rodriguez, House of Delegates, District 32
- Lily Franklin, House of Delegates, District 41
- Joshua Cole, House of Delegates, District 65
- Jessica Anderson, House of Delegates, District 71
- Debra Gardner, House of Delegates, District 76
- Mary Person, House of Delegates, District 83
- Michael Feggans, House of Delegates, District 97
- Cat Porterfield, House of Delegates, District 99
State Senate
- Schuyler Van Valkenburg, State Senate, District 16
- Clinton Jenkins, State Senate, District 17
- Victoria Luevanos, State Senate, District 20
- Monty Mason, State Senate, District 24
- Jason Ford, State Senate, District 28
- Danica Roem, State Senate, District 30
- Russet Perry, State Senate, District 31
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About People For the American Way
People For the American Way, a national progressive advocacy organization, inspires and mobilizes community and cultural leaders to advance Truth, Justice and the American Way. We convene courageous Americans, produce compelling media and organize campaigns to defend our democracy from authoritarian threats and advance America’s promise that everyone will enjoy freedom, safety and a vote that counts. Learn more: http://www.pfaw.org