House District 022

Incumbent Democratic Senator Jeremy McPike has served in the State Senate since 2016. He received his Bachelor's and Master's of Public Administration degrees from George Mason University. He is a volunteer firefighter and led the design and construction of an innovative, environmentally conscious, and award-winning volunteer fire station. He is a department director for the City of Alexandria and has worked for the city for 22 years.

Senator McPike has supported numerous progressive bills during his time in the Senate. He sponsored a bill to ensure foster children can keep their healthcare while transitioning into adulthood after turning 18. He is also committed to advancing common-sense gun safety measures, like universal background checks and blocking domestic abusers’ access to firearms. He considers redistricting reform as one of his fundamental policy goals. Sen. McPike voted to expand Medicaid in Virginia and to raise Virginia’s minimum wage.

Senator McPike recognizes abortion rights in Virginia are on the line, noting abortion ban attempts this past General Assembly session. He has stated that he fully supports reproductive rights, the right to safe and legal abortion, and access to contraceptives. He believes the government should not interfere with critical medical decisions and that Virginians should have the right to make their own choices. He voted to support the Reproductive Health Protection Act in 2020, and prioritizes codifying access to abortion into the Virginia Constitution.

Senator McPike supports public education and trusts teachers to know what is best in the classrooms. He considers Governor Youngkin’s teacher tip line as an extreme tactic to spy on educators. Senator McPike wants to invest in school facilities and teacher resources. He also stresses the importance of teaching real history.

Senator McPike advocates for workers' rights and is pro-union. He voted in favor of removing the ban on public sector collective bargaining and passed legislation to hold companies accountable for wage theft from Virginia workers. He believes in continuing to raise the minimum wage and so workers have fair pay. He also advocates for all workers having access to paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave.

Senator McPike is facing a challenge from Republican Nikki Rattray Baldwin. Baldwin grew up in Florida in the foster care system until her second placement. She earned her Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts in Psychology and her Master’s in Public Administration. Her campaign site fails to mention her stances on several issues.

Due to his record for protecting abortion access, workers rights, and public education, Senator Jeremy McPike is the progressive choice in this race.

Note: portions of this write-up were compiled from a previous Progressive Voters Guide recommendation for this candidate.

Travis Nembhard is running for delegate in VA-22 to create a better community for his family and future generations. His focus is on lightening the burden for working families by advocating for universal childcare and paid family and medical leave. Addressing traffic congestion and tolling problems on I-66 is another priority for him. As a lifelong public servant, Nembhard aims to combat injustices, promote transparency, and work towards a more inclusive Commonwealth. His diverse career and community service background demonstrate his dedication to helping others and advocating for positive change.

Recognizing Virginia's 32nd rank in cost of living, Nembhard wants to preserve the earning power of Virginians by reducing day-to-day expenses. As the next delegate, Nembhard will advocate for policies such as immediate access to paid family and medical leave, universal pre-kindergarten, and a Working Families Bill of Rights with earned sick leave. He also strives to establish training programs for career changes and bolster opportunities for military service members, veterans, and their families.

Nembhard stands strong against legislation that threatens freedoms and adversely affects vulnerable communities in Virginia. As your representative, he pledges to safeguard voting rights for all citizens, preserve access to abortion, and champion a just and equitable justice system. Additionally, he advocates for the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals and marginalized groups against discrimination, affirming his dedication to defending fundamental rights for every Virginian.

As a Delegate, Travis Nembhard is dedicated to ensuring that every Virginian has access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their background or insurance coverage. He will tirelessly advocate for affordable care initiatives, including the Cover All Kids program, to extend health coverage to low-income children. Nembhard is committed to reducing drug prices, strengthening pandemic prevention and response capabilities, and modernizing hospitals to improve medical outcomes for all demographics. His focus on equitable healthcare will leave no one behind in building a healthier and more inclusive Virginia.

Nembhard faces Republican Ian Lovejoy. Lovejoy is a long-time resident of Virginia. His platform includes cutting funding for crucial safety net programs and allowing the rich to benefit from tax cuts. Additionally, his support of universal school resource officers in schools is dangerous due to the continuous threat that Black people and communities of color face in regards to mistreatment and increased violence towards them by law enforcement.

Travis Nembhard is the progressive choice due to his stance on healthcare reform, protection of human rights, and education.