Richmond, District 9
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th
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. Please share this guide with your friends and family.
Federal
For her running mate, Vice President Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. For his running mate, former president Trump chose JD Vance.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is the Democratic candidate for Vice President of the United States. He previously served as a congressman for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District. Governor Walz is a National Army Guard veteran and retired school teacher.
Together on the Issues
⭐ They support reproductive freedom and access to abortion and will never allow a national abortion ban to become law!
⭐ They support affordable housing!
⭐ They support investing in small businesses–especially when it comes to entrepreneurs from marginalized communities!
⭐ They support making healthcare more accessible and affordable!
⭐ They support affordable quality childcare and education!
⭐ They support high-quality clean energy jobs and environmental justice!
⭐ They support passing the Equality Act and protecting the rights and freedoms of LGBTQIA+ communities!
⭐ They support common-sense gun violence prevention legislation!
There’s definitely more, but you get it by now.
The Opposition
Former Republican President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance are facing off against Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz.
The Republican candidate for president is Donald Trump. If you’ve found yourself looking at our voter guide, we probably don’t need to tell you all the reasons not to vote for him–so we’ll just do a few. Donald Trump’s administration is responsible for legislation and deregulation that led to disasters such as deregulated meat distribution and increases in working class tax payments due to his 2017 tax law. Trump also fired the CDC team that was responsible for detecting zoological diseases in wildlife in China, which was a decision that directly led to the mishandling of Covid-19. Even before his presidency, Trump had a terribly long history of racism, homophobia, sexism, violence against women, and fraudulent activity. One paragraph is not enough to cover his record of being an absolutely horrible human being, let alone a deplorable president.
Let’s not forget: thirty-four counts. And an insurrection. 🤬
JD Vance, on the other hand, is just your run-of-the-mill racist. He’s not even exceptionally good at it, seeing as how he admitted to creating false stories about Haitians on national television. He also talked about single childfree women (who are free to have children or not if they wish) using “childless cat ladies” as an insult. JD Vance’s pivot from his previous statements about Trump exposes how weak his constitution is, and how it has affected his political motivations. At best, JD Vance is a grifter who was extremely critical of Trump before he realized there was money in extreme MAGA Trumpism. At his worst, Vance is your everyday sexist who knows that the general public will excuse him for being fatally boring if he spews racist and sexist rhetoric. Please, for the love of all that is good and even somewhat enjoyable, do not vote for these vile men.
Recommendation (Note: Not an endorsement!)
For many–maybe even countless–reasons, Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz are without a doubt the progressive candidates in this race. We don’t even need to say anything more about the other two.
United States Democratic Senator Tim Kaine was first elected to the Senate in 2012. He served as Virginia’s governor from 2006 until 2010. Prior to that, he was the lieutenant governor. Additionally, Senator Kaine served as Richmond’s mayor from 1998 until 2001 and City Council District 2 representative from 1994 until 2001. In 2016, Hilary Clinton announced Senator Kaine as her running mate in her bid for the presidency. He is married to Anne Holton, former Virginia Secretary of Education.
On the Issues
⭐ Champions reproductive rights and access to abortion
⭐ Was a deciding vote to protect the Affordable Care Act
⭐ Advocated for quality public education since his time in Virginia local and state politics
⭐ Helped pass the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act
⭐ Strong supporter of DACA
⭐ Passed his EMBRACE Act to improve climate resiliency at military facilities
⭐ Supports Equality Act
⭐ Popularly known as America’s Dad
The Opposition
Senator Kaine is facing a challenge from Republican candidate Hung Cao, a retired Navy captain. Cao unsuccessfully ran for Virginia’s Congressional District 10 seat against former Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton in 2022. Cao is anti-abortion, regularly uses anti-immigrant rhetoric, and boldly supports former president Donald Trump. 🤬
Recommendation (Note: Not an endorsement!)
Because of his decades-long proven track record of being a champion for the people, Senator Tim Kaine is the progressive candidate in this race.
Congress
1st Congressional District
Virginia’s 1st district includes 15 counties and parts of Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover Counties. With 810,541, this district leans Republican.
On the Issues
⭐ Committed to protecting access to abortion, contraceptives, IVF, and the full spectrum of reproductive care
⭐ Lists equitable healthcare as a top priority and will fight for access to affordable, quality healthcare for all
⭐ Advocates for rare disease awareness and supports ongoing funding for rare diseases
⭐ Supports common sense gun violence prevention legislation and prioritizes community safety
Things to Note
Appointed to Governor Northam’s Commision to Examine Racial and Economic Inequity
Served on Governor Youngkin’s Rare Disease Council
Mehta represented Jason Kessler, organizer for the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her reasoning was that the First Amendment rights of Americans should be defended.
The Opposition
Leslie Mehta is challenging Republican incumbent, Congressman Rob Wittman. He has represented CD1 since 2007. Prior to that, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2006-2007. Here are just some of his bad votes while in Congress:
🤡 Voted to defund Planned Parenthood [emoji]
🤡 Voted against Women’s Health Protection Act
🤡 Voted “NO” on the Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act
🤡 Voted “NO” on the Strength in Diversity Act
🤡 Voted against CROWN Act of 2021
🤡 Voted against George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021
🤡 Voted in favor of repealing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
🤡 Voted against gun violence prevention bills
🤡 Voted against assault weapons ban
And he co-sponsored legislation to loosen restrictions on gun purchases. 🤡🤡🤡
Recommendation (Note: Not an Endorsement!)
While we could not find a significant amount of information on her views and values, based on her commitment to protecting access to abortion and support for gun violence prevention intervention, Leslie Mehta is the progressive candidate in this race.
4th Congressional District
Virginia’s 4th district includes 12 counties and parts of Chesterfield County, Henrico County, and Southampton County. With a population of 790,811 this district leans Democratic.
On the Issues
⭐ Worked to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment
⭐ Passed the Voting Rights Act of Virginia 🤩
⭐ Passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act and the Solar Freedom Act
⭐ Passed the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights
⭐ Passed the Reproductive Health Protection Act and the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act
⭐ Created a state-based health exchange under Obamacare
⭐ Carried the bill to make Virginia the first state in the South to remove the ban on abortion coverage for health insurance plans offered through the state health insurance exchange
⭐ Expanded tenant rights and protections and strengthened foreclosure protections for homeowners
⭐ Introduced legislation to fully fund public education
⭐ Introduced legislation for all kids in the Commonwealth to have access to healthcare, regardless of citizenship
⭐ Co-sponsored legislation to reinstate Virginia’s “one-gun-a-month rule” and to allow localities to prohibit guns in certain public spaces
⭐ Note: this isn’t even everything–not even close– but we think you get the picture.
Things to Note
Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
2020 Planned Parenthood Votes South Atlantic’s Legislative Leadership & Courage Award
2020 NARAL of Virginia’s Legislator of the Year Award
The Opposition
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan is being challenged by Republican Bill Moher. He is a native of Arlington and an entrepreneur. He is also an investor and advisor. Moher prioritizes protecting the Second Amendment. He wants to “crack down” on immigration. 🙄We couldn’t find too much information on his priorities, but we found enough to know he is not the one.
Recommendation (Note: Not an Endorsement!)
Congresswoman McClellan has an incredible track record of introducing legislation with progressive values. Based on her longstanding history of advocating for reproductive rights, healthcare for all, and gun violence prevention, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan is the clear progressive candidate in this race.
5th Congressional District
Virginia’s 5th district includes 21 counties and parts of Albemarle County, Bedford County, and Hanover County. With a population of 797,420 this district leans Republican.
On the Issues
⭐ Expresses the need to restore reproductive rights
⭐ Wants to expand access to basic quality healthcare, enhance mental health access for all, and advance affordable childcare
⭐ Pushes to preserve Protect the PACT Act - the largest expansion of health care and benefits for veterans
⭐ Advocates for preserving Social Security, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act
⭐ Wants to expand access to voting - Advance the John Lewis Voting Act
⭐ Supports gun violence prevention legislation, such as banning assault weapons and mandated waiting periods
⭐ Pushes for re-inventing k-12 public school education and replace “No Child Left Behind” policies
⭐ Advocates for supporting teachers through licensure, pay, and development
⭐ Wants to strengthen pathways to workforce skill development: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
⭐ Wants to adjust the federal minimum wage
⭐ Emphasizes need for smart climate-friendly economic growth and fair share tax policies
⭐ Wishes to expand access to voting - Advance the John Lewis Voting Act.
Things to Note
Served in leadership roles at several civic organizations
Previously president of the NAACP Amherst Branch and the Central Virginia Academy for Nonprofit Excellence
Endorsed as a Virginia Gun Sense Candidate
Wants to innovate immigration processing solutions to assess, relocate, employ, or deport individuals 🤔
Little information exists outside her website, so much of this information is pulled directly from that source. If possible, always seek additional confirmation of positions from other sources.
The Opposition
Gloria Tinsley Witt is facing off against Republican State Senator John McGuire. Senator McGuire has served in the Virginia State Senate since 2024. Previously, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2018 until 2024. Through legislation he introduced and his votes on others’ bills, Senator McGuire has shown time and again that he is anti-abortion. He also tried to repeal risk-protection order laws. He has also voted:
🤡 against establishing an independent policing auditor to oversee civilian law enforcement oversight groups
🤡 against extending voting rights to citizens on parole
🤡 against repealing the death penalty
🤡 against repealing the “Gay Panic” murder defense
🤡 against establishing better standards for LEO training and qualifications
🤡 against prohibiting no-knock search warrants
🤡 against establishing gun-free zones on School Board property
He also co-sponsored a bill to deny trans women and girls the right to participate in sports and a bill to require the forced outing of students exploring their gender identities to parents who may be hostile to them. Additionally, Senator McGuire voted against requiring schools to create policies friendly to transgender students. 🤬
Things to Note
The first thing you will see on McGuire’s website, after an embedded form to donate, is the following endearing statement:
About John
Pro-Life. Pro-Gun. Pro-Trump. 🤮
This should tell you all you need to know.
Recommendation (Note: Not an endorsement!)
There is too much that can be said about Senator John Mcguire. Suffice it to say, he is a Trumper through and through and is hostile to the rights of anyone who isn’t a straight white Christian man. Gloria Tinsley Witt shares many of our values, and her policy positions indicate her progressive intent. If she holds to her word, Gloria Tinsley Witt is the progressive candidate in this race.
City of Richmond
Harrison Roday has consistently expressed his stance on abortion access and is the most vocal candidate about what the mayor can do to protect access on the local level. He has committed to investing $100 million in affordable housing in the next four years, as well as the creation of a tenant advisory board. Additionally, he has committed to establishing an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Mayor’s Office.
Harrison Roday has received notable endorsements from progressive organizations and unions including New Virginia Majority, Richmond Education Association, SEIU Virginia 512, 32BJ SEIU, and Teamsters 322.
Harrison Roday is the most progressive choice in this race.
Other Candidates
Current City Councilman Andreas Addison has served in the Richmond City Council since 2016. His career shows many examples of progressive stances. He has also done tremendous work when it comes to public transportation in Richmond. However, in 2022, while Richmonders overall strongly opposed casino efforts, Councilman Addison along with all but one member of City Council voted in favor of bringing a second casino referendum to the ballot. The initial referendum was voted down the previous year. While City Councilman Andreas Addison is a progressive choice, we do not believe he is the most progressive choice in this race.
Former City Councilwoman Michelle Mosby served in the Richmond City Council from 2012 to 2016. She previously ran for Mayor of Richmond in 2016. She is an entrepreneur, realtor, and founder of the Help Me Help You Foundation, a nonprofit that helps returning citizens manage the transition from incarceration into employment. While former City Councilwoman Michelle Mosby is a progressive choice, we do not believe she is the most progressive choice in this race.
Dr. Danny Avula is a public health leader and pediatrician who served as the director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts for six years. In 2021, Governor Northam appointed him to lead the statewide COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The following year, Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Dr. Avula as the new commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services.
His campaign site touts many progressive policies, such as affordable housing, universal pre-K, and expanding reproductive healthcare. However, Dr. Avula’s life and career as an experienced public health official, while commendable, does not outweigh the concerns regarding his connection to a church that partners with crisis pregnancy centers. We also cannot ignore his desire to bring in someone who is considered to be anti-teacher and anti-union in regards to the hiring of the Chief Administrative Officer. Further, Dr. Avula has described his moving to Richmond’s East End as moving to an “impoverished neighborhood” to build community. For these reasons, Dr. Avula is NOT a progressive choice in this race.
Independent candidate, Maurice Neblett, is a community organizer and board member of a local federal credit union. Based on the information we could find, Neblett does hold some progressive stances. However, he has expressed his interest in lowering the state real estate tax, which would directly impact funding for needed resources. For this reason and a lack of information on other stances, Maurice Neblett is NOT a progressive choice in this race.
Current City Councilman Andreas Addison has served in the Richmond City Council since 2016. His career shows many examples of progressive stances. He has also done tremendous work when it comes to public transportation in Richmond. However, in 2022, while Richmonders overall strongly opposed casino efforts, Councilman Addison along with all but one member of City Council voted in favor of bringing a second casino referendum to the ballot. The initial referendum was voted down the previous year. While City Councilman Andreas Addison is a progressive choice, we do not believe he is the most progressive choice in this race.
Former City Councilwoman Michelle Mosby served in the Richmond City Council from 2012 to 2016. She previously ran for Mayor of Richmond in 2016. She is an entrepreneur, realtor, and founder of the Help Me Help You Foundation, a nonprofit that helps returning citizens manage the transition from incarceration into employment. While former City Councilwoman Michelle Mosby is a progressive choice, we do not believe she is the most progressive choice in this race.
Dr. Danny Avula is a public health leader and pediatrician who served as the director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts for six years. In 2021, Governor Northam appointed him to lead the statewide COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The following year, Governor Glenn Youngkin appointed Dr. Avula as the new commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services.
His campaign site touts many progressive policies, such as affordable housing, universal pre-K, and expanding reproductive healthcare. However, Dr. Avula’s life and career as an experienced public health official, while commendable, does not outweigh the concerns regarding his connection to a church that partners with crisis pregnancy centers. We also cannot ignore his desire to bring in someone who is considered to be anti-teacher and anti-union in regards to the hiring of the Chief Administrative Officer. Further, Dr. Avula has described his moving to Richmond’s East End as moving to an “impoverished neighborhood” to build community. For these reasons, Dr. Avula is NOT a progressive choice in this race.
Independent candidate, Maurice Neblett, is a community organizer and board member of a local federal credit union. Based on the information we could find, Neblett does hold some progressive stances. However, he has expressed his interest in lowering the state real estate tax, which would directly impact funding for needed resources. For this reason and a lack of information on other stances, Maurice Neblett is NOT a progressive choice in this race.
Richmond, District 9
Depending on where you live, you may have the following district races on your ballot.
On the Issues
⭐ Argues that young residents face significant challenges due to poverty, inflation, and financial stress, impacting their ability to succeed academically and socially.
⭐ Committed to connecting residents with available resources, ensuring that families have access to essential support, such as food security and housing stability.
⭐ Plans to advocate for full funding of Richmond Public Schools during the budget season to support educational needs.
⭐ Intends to collaborate with local departments and developers to create low-cost recreational programs for youth and promote affordable housing and economic development initiatives in the district.
Things to Note
- Jones spoke out about the RVA Restaurant Tax fiasco, saying that: “Small businesses and restaurants are the backbone of the city, and the instances of inconsistent or unclear communication regarding how the city issues tax bills are concerning. We should be doing all that we can to ensure that Richmond continues to grow as a prime destination for restaurants and all manner of businesses. I am confident that the administration is working diligently on this matter, and I look forward to working collaboratively on a solution for future tax bills and helping those who are currently facing late-payment fees.”
RECOMMENDATION
Based on her history of progressive values, as well as endorsements from progressive partners like SEIU and New Virginia Majority, Nicole Jones is the progressive candidate in this race.
Other Candidates
Stephanie Starling is a mother and lifelong resident of Richmond’s Southside. She is a graduate of George Wythe High School and Norfolk State University and received a Graduate Certificate in HR Management from the University of Richmond in 2024. She has previously volunteered for Betsy Carr’s campaign. She is a member of the VUU Booster Club, the Richmond Crusade for Voters, the RVA Democratic Committee, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
RECOMMENDATION
The issues Starling discusses are marginally progressive, but there is not enough information on her policy intentions to make a clear recommendation here.
Stephanie Starling is a mother and lifelong resident of Richmond’s Southside. She is a graduate of George Wythe High School and Norfolk State University and received a Graduate Certificate in HR Management from the University of Richmond in 2024. She has previously volunteered for Betsy Carr’s campaign. She is a member of the VUU Booster Club, the Richmond Crusade for Voters, the RVA Democratic Committee, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
RECOMMENDATION
The issues Starling discusses are marginally progressive, but there is not enough information on her policy intentions to make a clear recommendation here.