Progressive Voters Guide Powered by Progress Virginia
Laura Jane Cohen photo
Democrat

Laura Jane Cohen

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram (Twitter)

Laura Jane Cohen is a dedicated advocate with a diverse background, from working for disease prevention organizations to owning a small business. As a substitute teacher and PTA president, she actively supported her local community. Cohen’s's passion for gun violence preventionled her to volunteer with Moms Demand Action. On the School Board, she fought for education, inclusivity, teacher pay, and more. As a Delegate, Cohen will protect public schools, defend abortion access, prevent gun violence, and preserve Virginia values.

Cohen's commitment to preventing gun violence and advocating for gun safety measures is evident through her extensive work with Moms Demand Action. As a Delegate, she will prioritize strengthening secure storage and extreme risk protection laws, disarming domestic abusers, implementing microstamping and childproofing for new handguns, and banning high-capacity magazines, untraceable "ghost guns," and assault-style weapons. Her dedication to public safety and common-sense gun laws will make our communities safer for everyone.

Cohen's commitment to addressing the climate crisis and promoting clean energy solutions is commendable. As a Delegate, she will work to accelerate Virginia's transition to 100% carbon-free electricity, advocate for the adoption of electric alternatives for transit and school buses, prioritize communities impacted by environmental injustice, implement energy-saving measures, and invest in green workforce development. Her efforts will contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for Virginia.

Cohen's is also dedicated toadvocating for the rights and protections of LGBTQIA+ Virginians. As a Delegate, she will strive to repeal the ban on same-sex marriages from Virginia's constitution, advocate for comprehensive LGBTQIA+ protections in schools, and support policies that affirm gender identity and provide insurance coverage for necessary healthcare. Cohen’s commitment to equality and inclusivity will help create a more just and equitable Virginia for all residents.

Cohen is running against Republican Marcus Evans. Evans is a U.S. Army veteran, with experience as a defense contractor. He holds degrees from The Ohio State University, University of Maryland University College, and U.S.A.F. Air Command and Staff College. Evans does not believe in the ability of our teachers and education professionals to give our children a quality education. He also holds transphobic views on “gender affirming care” which is an added threat to the current attacks against reproductive justice.

Laura Jane Cohen’s commitment to climate action, gun violence prevention, and advocacy for equality for all make her the progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-10-23

Laura Jane Cohen is a dedicated advocate with a diverse background, from working for disease prevention organizations to owning a small business. As a substitute teacher and PTA president, she actively supported her local community. Cohen’s's passion for gun violence preventionled her to volunteer with Moms Demand Action. On the School Board, she fought for education, inclusivity, teacher pay, and more. As a Delegate, Cohen will protect public schools, defend abortion access, prevent gun violence, and preserve Virginia values.

Cohen's commitment to preventing gun violence and advocating for gun safety measures is evident through her extensive work with Moms Demand Action. As a Delegate, she will prioritize strengthening secure storage and extreme risk protection laws, disarming domestic abusers, implementing microstamping and childproofing for new handguns, and banning high-capacity magazines, untraceable "ghost guns," and assault-style weapons. Her dedication to public safety and common-sense gun laws will make our communities safer for everyone.

Cohen's commitment to addressing the climate crisis and promoting clean energy solutions is commendable. As a Delegate, she will work to accelerate Virginia's transition to 100% carbon-free electricity, advocate for the adoption of electric alternatives for transit and school buses, prioritize communities impacted by environmental injustice, implement energy-saving measures, and invest in green workforce development. Her efforts will contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for Virginia.

Cohen's is also dedicated toadvocating for the rights and protections of LGBTQIA+ Virginians. As a Delegate, she will strive to repeal the ban on same-sex marriages from Virginia's constitution, advocate for comprehensive LGBTQIA+ protections in schools, and support policies that affirm gender identity and provide insurance coverage for necessary healthcare. Cohen’s commitment to equality and inclusivity will help create a more just and equitable Virginia for all residents.

Cohen is running against Republican Marcus Evans. Evans is a U.S. Army veteran, with experience as a defense contractor. He holds degrees from The Ohio State University, University of Maryland University College, and U.S.A.F. Air Command and Staff College. Evans does not believe in the ability of our teachers and education professionals to give our children a quality education. He also holds transphobic views on “gender affirming care” which is an added threat to the current attacks against reproductive justice.

Laura Jane Cohen’s commitment to climate action, gun violence prevention, and advocacy for equality for all make her the progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-10-23

House District 015

Not in House District 015? Find your state's guide.

Election Day November 7, 2023
Find Drop Box Locations
Ballot Drop Boxes

State Senate

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

Senate District 033

State Senator

Jennifer Carroll Foy photo
Democrat

Jennifer Carroll Foy

Website Facebook Instagram (Twitter)


Former Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy represented the 87th District from 2017 to December 2020, when she resigned to make an unsuccessful run for Governor. She is now seeking the State Senate in District 33 in 2023. During her stint as Delegate, she fought to pass Medicaid expansion to 400,000 Virignians. She also voted for a pay raise for Virginia teachers. She co-patroned a bill to increase the grand larceny threshold from $200 to $500. She supports legislation to increase abortion access, affordable public transportation, and criminal justice reform.

As Delegate, Carroll Foy was a strong advocate for building good jobs and ensuring sustainable development. In 2018, she earned the Champion of Enterprise Award from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce for her efforts. Carroll Foy passed bipartisan legislation to give veterans greater access to the capital they need to start and grow a business. She co-sponsored a bill that rewarded companies for creating jobs in underserved communities. Additionally, she passed legislation to give small minority-owned businesses more opportunities to secure contracts with utilities. She passed legislation to provide greater access to coding courses in high school, preparing students for the 21st-century economy. Finally, she passed a bill allowing local school divisions to enter into College and Career Access Pathways Partnerships with community colleges.

Fmr. Del. Carroll Foy has always fought for unions and working families. As a Delegate, she passed groundbreaking legislation that instituted a prevailing wage on all state-funded construction projects, sponsored legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour, and passed a bill that cracks down on companies that don't pay their workers. She also sponsored legislation to ensure that workers' compensation covered firefighters who contracted cancer on the job. She co-sponsored legislation repealing the "Comstock rule" that banned the use of Project Labor Agreements, which would help thousands of construction workers get quality health coverage. Their efforts led to the biggest expansion of labor rights in decades.

Fmr. Del. Carroll Foy has spent her career fighting for equal rights. She led the fight to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and has made concrete changes to advance equality for all Virginians. As Delegate, she worked to protect reproductive freedom, helped to lead the Reproductive Health Protection Act, and pushed legislation to establish equality in school dress codes. She also advocated for paid family and medical leave and passed the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act.

Throughout her career, Fmr. Del. Carroll Foy has witnessed the systemic flaws that define the criminal justice system, which disproportionately impact our most vulnerable communities. She has advocated for those who could not advocate for themselves and on behalf of those for whom the justice system is broken. As a Delegate, she sponsored legislation to address cash bail reform, the ban on parole, and the issue of "driving poor," all of which contribute to mass incarceration and cyclical patterns of joblessness and poverty within minority communities. She also sponsored a bill prohibiting the use of neck restraints, such as chokeholds, by law enforcement and passed legislation to repeal the Habitual Drunkard law, which unfairly punishes the homeless and those struggling with substance abuse.

Fmr. Del. Carroll Foy is facing Republican Mike Van Meter in the general election. Van Meter will do nothing to hold police accountable for abuse against the communities they’re supposed to protect. He follows in the footsteps of the worst Republican attacks on public education. He will do nothing to prevent gun violence plaguing our communities.

Given her record of supporting sustainable development, lifting up unions, pursuing equality, and fighting for a fair criminal justice system, Fmr. Del. Carroll Foy is the clear progressive choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-10-27

Senate District 035

State Senator

Dave Marsden photo
Democrat

Dave Marsden

Website Facebook Endorsements (Twitter)

Incumbent Democratic Senator Dave Marsden is a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia. Senator Marsden has lived in Burke since 1977 with his wife Julia and three sons. He graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in 1966, Randolph-Macon College in 1970, and began a career in juvenile justice as a probation officer with the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. He went on to establish and operate Fairfax County’s shelter home for youth with severe family problems and was later appointed as the first Superintendent of Fairfax County’s Juvenile Detention Center. He served in the House of Delegates for four years before he was elected to the state Senate in 2009.
Senator Marsden has been a voice for reproductive health care access throughout his service. Most recently, he voted to repeal the abortion prohibition in Virginia health insurance plans and voted to establish the Reproductive Health Protection Act. In previous sessions, he voted against a measure to prohibit state funding of abortion services and voted to repeal the requirement for an ultrasound prior to an abortion, a bill he co-sponsored.

Senator Marsden has also been a reliable voice for civil rights and liberties. In 2020, he voted to prohibit No-knock Search Warrants. He also voted to repeal the State statutory same-sex marriage ban and amend state documents to include gender-neutral terms. Additionally, he voted to establish the Dress Code Equity Act, prohibit state funding of conversion therapy on minors, and amend the anti-discrimination law to include sexual orientation and gender identity, a measure he also co-sponsored.

Senator Marsden’s advocacy for civil liberties extends to criminal justice. In the most recent session, he voted to establish an independent policing auditor to oversee civilian law enforcement oversight groups. He voted against a measure to require school principals to report student misdemeanors to law enforcement, a measure supported by civil rights groups. He voted to expand voting rights of returning citizens. He also voted to require law enforcement officers to inform drivers why they are being stopped.

Senator Marsden has also supported measures to expand healthcare and make it more affordable throughout his career. In recent sessions, he voted to establish a COVID-19 Relief Fund. He also voted to limit the cost of Insulin to $50 per 30-day supply. Earlier in his career, he voted to require health insurance coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder. He also voted to prohibit smoking in a vehicle with minors and in restaurants.

Senator Marsden is facing a challenge from Republican Mark Vafiades, a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy. Vafiades uses dog-whistles to push his agenda, attacking civil rights movements and cozying up to hard-line Republicans. He attacks environmental regulations as radical special interests. He supports Republican efforts to police content in schools and calls measures for equity and respect defiance of parents.

Given his advocacy for civil liberties, reproductive justice, affordable healthcare, and criminal justice, Senator Marsden is the progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-10-23

Incumbent Democratic Senator Dave Marsden is a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia. Senator Marsden has lived in Burke since 1977 with his wife Julia and three sons. He graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in 1966, Randolph-Macon College in 1970, and began a career in juvenile justice as a probation officer with the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. He went on to establish and operate Fairfax County’s shelter home for youth with severe family problems and was later appointed as the first Superintendent of Fairfax County’s Juvenile Detention Center. He served in the House of Delegates for four years before he was elected to the state Senate in 2009.
Senator Marsden has been a voice for reproductive health care access throughout his service. Most recently, he voted to repeal the abortion prohibition in Virginia health insurance plans and voted to establish the Reproductive Health Protection Act. In previous sessions, he voted against a measure to prohibit state funding of abortion services and voted to repeal the requirement for an ultrasound prior to an abortion, a bill he co-sponsored.

Senator Marsden has also been a reliable voice for civil rights and liberties. In 2020, he voted to prohibit No-knock Search Warrants. He also voted to repeal the State statutory same-sex marriage ban and amend state documents to include gender-neutral terms. Additionally, he voted to establish the Dress Code Equity Act, prohibit state funding of conversion therapy on minors, and amend the anti-discrimination law to include sexual orientation and gender identity, a measure he also co-sponsored.

Senator Marsden’s advocacy for civil liberties extends to criminal justice. In the most recent session, he voted to establish an independent policing auditor to oversee civilian law enforcement oversight groups. He voted against a measure to require school principals to report student misdemeanors to law enforcement, a measure supported by civil rights groups. He voted to expand voting rights of returning citizens. He also voted to require law enforcement officers to inform drivers why they are being stopped.

Senator Marsden has also supported measures to expand healthcare and make it more affordable throughout his career. In recent sessions, he voted to establish a COVID-19 Relief Fund. He also voted to limit the cost of Insulin to $50 per 30-day supply. Earlier in his career, he voted to require health insurance coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder. He also voted to prohibit smoking in a vehicle with minors and in restaurants.

Senator Marsden is facing a challenge from Republican Mark Vafiades, a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy. Vafiades uses dog-whistles to push his agenda, attacking civil rights movements and cozying up to hard-line Republicans. He attacks environmental regulations as radical special interests. He supports Republican efforts to police content in schools and calls measures for equity and respect defiance of parents.

Given his advocacy for civil liberties, reproductive justice, affordable healthcare, and criminal justice, Senator Marsden is the progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-10-23
Dave Marsden photo
Democrat

Dave Marsden

Website Facebook Endorsements (Twitter)

Incumbent Democratic Senator Dave Marsden is a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia. Senator Marsden has lived in Burke since 1977 with his wife Julia and three sons. He graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in 1966, Randolph-Macon College in 1970, and began a career in juvenile justice as a probation officer with the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. He went on to establish and operate Fairfax County’s shelter home for youth with severe family problems and was later appointed as the first Superintendent of Fairfax County’s Juvenile Detention Center. He served in the House of Delegates for four years before he was elected to the state Senate in 2009.
Senator Marsden has been a voice for reproductive health care access throughout his service. Most recently, he voted to repeal the abortion prohibition in Virginia health insurance plans and voted to establish the Reproductive Health Protection Act. In previous sessions, he voted against a measure to prohibit state funding of abortion services and voted to repeal the requirement for an ultrasound prior to an abortion, a bill he co-sponsored.

Senator Marsden has also been a reliable voice for civil rights and liberties. In 2020, he voted to prohibit No-knock Search Warrants. He also voted to repeal the State statutory same-sex marriage ban and amend state documents to include gender-neutral terms. Additionally, he voted to establish the Dress Code Equity Act, prohibit state funding of conversion therapy on minors, and amend the anti-discrimination law to include sexual orientation and gender identity, a measure he also co-sponsored.

Senator Marsden’s advocacy for civil liberties extends to criminal justice. In the most recent session, he voted to establish an independent policing auditor to oversee civilian law enforcement oversight groups. He voted against a measure to require school principals to report student misdemeanors to law enforcement, a measure supported by civil rights groups. He voted to expand voting rights of returning citizens. He also voted to require law enforcement officers to inform drivers why they are being stopped.

Senator Marsden has also supported measures to expand healthcare and make it more affordable throughout his career. In recent sessions, he voted to establish a COVID-19 Relief Fund. He also voted to limit the cost of Insulin to $50 per 30-day supply. Earlier in his career, he voted to require health insurance coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder. He also voted to prohibit smoking in a vehicle with minors and in restaurants.

Senator Marsden is facing a challenge from Republican Mark Vafiades, a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy. Vafiades uses dog-whistles to push his agenda, attacking civil rights movements and cozying up to hard-line Republicans. He attacks environmental regulations as radical special interests. He supports Republican efforts to police content in schools and calls measures for equity and respect defiance of parents.

Given his advocacy for civil liberties, reproductive justice, affordable healthcare, and criminal justice, Senator Marsden is the progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-10-27

Incumbent Democratic Senator Dave Marsden is a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia. Senator Marsden has lived in Burke since 1977 with his wife Julia and three sons. He graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in 1966, Randolph-Macon College in 1970, and began a career in juvenile justice as a probation officer with the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. He went on to establish and operate Fairfax County’s shelter home for youth with severe family problems and was later appointed as the first Superintendent of Fairfax County’s Juvenile Detention Center. He served in the House of Delegates for four years before he was elected to the state Senate in 2009.
Senator Marsden has been a voice for reproductive health care access throughout his service. Most recently, he voted to repeal the abortion prohibition in Virginia health insurance plans and voted to establish the Reproductive Health Protection Act. In previous sessions, he voted against a measure to prohibit state funding of abortion services and voted to repeal the requirement for an ultrasound prior to an abortion, a bill he co-sponsored.

Senator Marsden has also been a reliable voice for civil rights and liberties. In 2020, he voted to prohibit No-knock Search Warrants. He also voted to repeal the State statutory same-sex marriage ban and amend state documents to include gender-neutral terms. Additionally, he voted to establish the Dress Code Equity Act, prohibit state funding of conversion therapy on minors, and amend the anti-discrimination law to include sexual orientation and gender identity, a measure he also co-sponsored.

Senator Marsden’s advocacy for civil liberties extends to criminal justice. In the most recent session, he voted to establish an independent policing auditor to oversee civilian law enforcement oversight groups. He voted against a measure to require school principals to report student misdemeanors to law enforcement, a measure supported by civil rights groups. He voted to expand voting rights of returning citizens. He also voted to require law enforcement officers to inform drivers why they are being stopped.

Senator Marsden has also supported measures to expand healthcare and make it more affordable throughout his career. In recent sessions, he voted to establish a COVID-19 Relief Fund. He also voted to limit the cost of Insulin to $50 per 30-day supply. Earlier in his career, he voted to require health insurance coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder. He also voted to prohibit smoking in a vehicle with minors and in restaurants.

Senator Marsden is facing a challenge from Republican Mark Vafiades, a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy. Vafiades uses dog-whistles to push his agenda, attacking civil rights movements and cozying up to hard-line Republicans. He attacks environmental regulations as radical special interests. He supports Republican efforts to police content in schools and calls measures for equity and respect defiance of parents.

Given his advocacy for civil liberties, reproductive justice, affordable healthcare, and criminal justice, Senator Marsden is the progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-10-27

House District 015

Delegate

Laura Jane Cohen photo
Democrat

Laura Jane Cohen

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram (Twitter)

Laura Jane Cohen is a dedicated advocate with a diverse background, from working for disease prevention organizations to owning a small business. As a substitute teacher and PTA president, she actively supported her local community. Cohen’s's passion for gun violence preventionled her to volunteer with Moms Demand Action. On the School Board, she fought for education, inclusivity, teacher pay, and more. As a Delegate, Cohen will protect public schools, defend abortion access, prevent gun violence, and preserve Virginia values.

Cohen's commitment to preventing gun violence and advocating for gun safety measures is evident through her extensive work with Moms Demand Action. As a Delegate, she will prioritize strengthening secure storage and extreme risk protection laws, disarming domestic abusers, implementing microstamping and childproofing for new handguns, and banning high-capacity magazines, untraceable "ghost guns," and assault-style weapons. Her dedication to public safety and common-sense gun laws will make our communities safer for everyone.

Cohen's commitment to addressing the climate crisis and promoting clean energy solutions is commendable. As a Delegate, she will work to accelerate Virginia's transition to 100% carbon-free electricity, advocate for the adoption of electric alternatives for transit and school buses, prioritize communities impacted by environmental injustice, implement energy-saving measures, and invest in green workforce development. Her efforts will contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for Virginia.

Cohen's is also dedicated toadvocating for the rights and protections of LGBTQIA+ Virginians. As a Delegate, she will strive to repeal the ban on same-sex marriages from Virginia's constitution, advocate for comprehensive LGBTQIA+ protections in schools, and support policies that affirm gender identity and provide insurance coverage for necessary healthcare. Cohen’s commitment to equality and inclusivity will help create a more just and equitable Virginia for all residents.

Cohen is running against Republican Marcus Evans. Evans is a U.S. Army veteran, with experience as a defense contractor. He holds degrees from The Ohio State University, University of Maryland University College, and U.S.A.F. Air Command and Staff College. Evans does not believe in the ability of our teachers and education professionals to give our children a quality education. He also holds transphobic views on “gender affirming care” which is an added threat to the current attacks against reproductive justice.

Laura Jane Cohen’s commitment to climate action, gun violence prevention, and advocacy for equality for all make her the progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-10-23

Laura Jane Cohen is a dedicated advocate with a diverse background, from working for disease prevention organizations to owning a small business. As a substitute teacher and PTA president, she actively supported her local community. Cohen’s's passion for gun violence preventionled her to volunteer with Moms Demand Action. On the School Board, she fought for education, inclusivity, teacher pay, and more. As a Delegate, Cohen will protect public schools, defend abortion access, prevent gun violence, and preserve Virginia values.

Cohen's commitment to preventing gun violence and advocating for gun safety measures is evident through her extensive work with Moms Demand Action. As a Delegate, she will prioritize strengthening secure storage and extreme risk protection laws, disarming domestic abusers, implementing microstamping and childproofing for new handguns, and banning high-capacity magazines, untraceable "ghost guns," and assault-style weapons. Her dedication to public safety and common-sense gun laws will make our communities safer for everyone.

Cohen's commitment to addressing the climate crisis and promoting clean energy solutions is commendable. As a Delegate, she will work to accelerate Virginia's transition to 100% carbon-free electricity, advocate for the adoption of electric alternatives for transit and school buses, prioritize communities impacted by environmental injustice, implement energy-saving measures, and invest in green workforce development. Her efforts will contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for Virginia.

Cohen's is also dedicated toadvocating for the rights and protections of LGBTQIA+ Virginians. As a Delegate, she will strive to repeal the ban on same-sex marriages from Virginia's constitution, advocate for comprehensive LGBTQIA+ protections in schools, and support policies that affirm gender identity and provide insurance coverage for necessary healthcare. Cohen’s commitment to equality and inclusivity will help create a more just and equitable Virginia for all residents.

Cohen is running against Republican Marcus Evans. Evans is a U.S. Army veteran, with experience as a defense contractor. He holds degrees from The Ohio State University, University of Maryland University College, and U.S.A.F. Air Command and Staff College. Evans does not believe in the ability of our teachers and education professionals to give our children a quality education. He also holds transphobic views on “gender affirming care” which is an added threat to the current attacks against reproductive justice.

Laura Jane Cohen’s commitment to climate action, gun violence prevention, and advocacy for equality for all make her the progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-10-23