Bonita Anthony is a university administrator for the College of Engineering and Technology at Virginia State University. She received an engineering degree from Old Dominion University. She has also previously worked for the Federal Aviation Administration, taught both in public K-12 schools and at the university level and has been a community advocate as a minister. She believes her varied background will be key in tackling the issues facing Virginians on a day-to-day basis.

Anthony lists abortion access as a top priority. The dismantling of abortion rights via the Dobbs decision was a key factor in her decision to run, and she has called for a constitutional amendment to ensure that Virginia remains a haven for abortion access. She has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Virginia and was given a 100% rating by Repro Rising. She has also been endorsed by Emily’s List.

Protecting the environment is also a top priority. Her positions on good governance, environmental justice, and clean energy earned her an endorsement and funding from Clean Virginia in 2022.

After winning her primary against Kim Sudderth, Anthony told the Virginian-Pilot, “(As) a legislator, I believe that people want someone who is going to make sure that they have a voice and that makes sure that they are well informed and that someone’s going to fight for them and their rights and protections.” She said that gun violence is another big issue and requires a broader “overarching” view of what leads to it. She understands that handling the issue will require innovative thinking and argues that some ways to target the root causes could include legislation that addresses rent stabilization and tenant rights, livable wages, and transportation infrastructure.

Anthony is also a strong advocate for public education. She said her top statewide priority would be to fight against dismantling public education. She argues that democracy exists and flourishes with an informed and engaged population and pledges to push against legislation seeking to defund, disinvest, and undermine public education. She says that “we need well-funded public schools where Virginia provides more per student investment than ever.” She wants to require schools to offer free meals to all students universally.

Anthony’s opponent is Republican Michael Durig. We could not find any information on him at the time of research.

Because of her stances on gun violence prevention, the environment, and abortion access, Anthony is the clear progressive choice in this race. Close Window