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This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent candidates Dr. Danny Avula, Andreas Addison, Michelle Mosby, Maurice Neblett, and Harrison Roday will face each other in the general election for Richmond Mayor. Current Richmond City Mayor Lavar Stoney is not seeking re-election, instead opting to run for lieutenant governor in the 2025 election.

Democratic candidate Harrison Roday’s policy priorities and career trajectory showcase a commitment to equity. His work with Bridging Virginia and Foodshed Capital provesprove that he is willing to back up his words with action. 

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.
Last updated: 2024-10-24

City of Richmond

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Election Day November 5, 2024
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Federal

The election for President of the United States is on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris (D) is running against former president, Donald J. Trump (R), a businessman and former reality television star.
For her running mate, Vice President Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. For his running mate, former president Trump chose JD Vance.

Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is running to be the 47th President of the United States. She previously served as a US Senator for the state of California, as well as the Attorney General for California, and the District Attorney for San Francisco.

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.
Last updated: 2024-09-25

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Incumbent Democratic candidate Tim Kaine and Republican candidate Hung Cao will face each other in the general election for United States Senator for Virginia.

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. 
 

Last updated: 2024-10-22

Congress

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.

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. 

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Incumbent Republican Rob Wittman and Democratic candidate Leslie Mehta will face each other in the general election for Virginia’s 1st Congressional District. Congressman Rob Wittman has served in the House of Representatives since 2007.

Leslie Mehta is the Democratic candidate for Virginia’s 1st Congressional District. She is a civil rights attorney and previous legal director at the ACLU of Virginia. Mehta received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina. She completed her law degree at Howard University School of Law. She is an advocate for people with Rett’s Syndrome, losing her own daughter to the disorder in 2021. She grew up in North Carolina and currently resides in Chesterfield County with her husband and daughter.

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.
Last updated: 2024-09-06

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.

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Incumbent Democrat Jennifer McClellan and Republican candidate Bill Moher will face each other in the general election for Virginia’s 4th Congressional District. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan has served in the House of Representatives since 2023, when she won the special election following the death of Congressman Don McEachin, making her Virginia’s first Black congresswoman.

Democrat Incumbent Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan has served in Congress since 2023. Prior to serving in Congress, she served in the Virginia State Senate from 2017 until 2023 and the House of Delegates from 2006 until 2017. She is the daughter of community leaders and educators. She graduated from the University of Richmond and received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law. She lives in Richmond with her husband and two children.

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.
Last updated: 2024-09-06

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. 

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Republican candidate John McGuire and Democratic candidate Gloria Tinsley Witt will face each other in the general election for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. The current representative is Congressman Bob Good, who was not chosen as the Republican candidate in the 2024 primary election.

Democratic candidate Gloria Tinsley Witt grew up on a small farm in Amherst. She began working in a tobacco field when she was 14 years old. Witt earned a degree in communications and economics from Randolph College. She spent over three decades working at a leading global energy company. After retiring in 2013, she started a coaching company aimed at developing the next generation of executives and leaders.

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.
Last updated: 2024-09-06

City of Richmond

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent candidates Dr. Danny Avula, Andreas Addison, Michelle Mosby, Maurice Neblett, and Harrison Roday will face each other in the general election for Richmond Mayor. Current Richmond City Mayor Lavar Stoney is not seeking re-election, instead opting to run for lieutenant governor in the 2025 election.

Democratic candidate Harrison Roday’s policy priorities and career trajectory showcase a commitment to equity. His work with Bridging Virginia and Foodshed Capital provesprove that he is willing to back up his words with action. 

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.
Last updated: 2024-10-24

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.
 

Last updated: 2024-10-24

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.
 

Last updated: 2024-10-24

City District Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the following district races on your ballot.

Richmond, District 1

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent candidates Andrew Breton, Paul Goldman, Zachary Lee Walker will face each other in the general election for Richmond City Council’s 1st district.

Independent candidates Andrew “Gumby” Breton, Zachary Lee Walker, and Paul Goldman are facing off to win the seat previously held by current Richmond Mayoral Candidate, Andreas Addison.

Breton previously served as a Mary Munford PTA board member, Chair of the Richmond City Democratic Committee, and chapter chair of Progressive Massachusetts. Breton’s campaign site notes his desire to “shift increasing tax burden off of existing homeowners onto new developments.” At first glance, this sounds like cutting real estate taxes, and as we know, cutting taxes directly correlates to the cutting of social services. 🤔

Goldman led the anti-casino effort in Richmond as well as a lawsuit against the city’s decision to build a new baseball stadium, arguing priority should be placed on schools instead. Goldman’s campaign site declares him as the only candidate who wants to cut taxes and fees by 10%. 🤔🤔🤔

Walker is a VCU graduate who previously served as president of the Monument Avenue Park Civic Association. Much of what Walker discusses aligns with our values, but there is simply too little information to get a full picture of his platform and ideals. Therefore, we cannot make a full recommendation here. 🤷

There is no recommendation in this race. We encourage you to reach out to these campaigns and inquire about the issues that matter to you most. Remember, there are other races to vote on in this election.

Last updated: 2024-10-21

Richmond, District 2

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent Incumbent Katherine J. Jordan will be running unopposed in the general election for Richmond City Council’s 2nd district.

Incumbent Katherine Jordan was first elected to the Richmond City Council in 2020. After getting her graduate degree in Urban & Environmental Planning from UVA, she learned Project Management at the architecture and urban design firm Cooper, Robertson & Partners in NYC. She served as Duke University Health System’s Assistant Director for Campus Design & Sustainability and led master planning and sustainability projects across 240 acres and $700 million in new construction and renovations. She lives in the Fan with her husband, two daughters, a cat, and a dog.

EQUITY AND EQUALITY
⭐ Worked as part of the team behind the campaign to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in Virginia.
⭐ Outspoken advocate for gender equality.

RESPONSIVENESS TO THE COMMUNITY
⭐ The only member of the city council who voted against sending the casino referendum to a vote.
⭐ One of three who voted in favor of implementing ranked-choice voting for Richmond City Council elections.
⭐ Sends out weekly newsletters keeping constituents in the know
⭐ Regularly posts to Reddit and engages with the community there

Note: Has what amounts to an “Accomplishments” page on her website, but lists very little. In fairness, it seems as though her plan is to do a session wrap-up when they are done. She regularly shares the Council’s goings-on in her newsletters.

DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
⭐ Passed the Climate Emergency Resolution
⭐ Ensured funds for RPS and the Fox rebuild
⭐ Fights for a “greener, more responsive and community-driven Richmond.”
⭐ Fought for road safety enhancements
⭐ Carried the torch and fought against the Casino referendum both times it was on the ballot.


RECOMMENDATION
Jordan’s policy platform might not be as expansive as we would like, but she has proven to be responsive to her community and their concerns and has fought for expanded voting rights, gender equality, and safe, green development. Given her work, we can say that City Councilwoman Katherine Jordan is a progressive choice in this race.
Last updated: 2024-09-25
Non-Partisan

Mariah White

This election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Mariah White has earned the endorsement of our education partners at The Virginia Voter Guide, which we have included below. You can also learn more about her on their website here. 

Mariah White is a dedicated public servant and current member of the Richmond City School Board, representing District 2. She assumed office on January 4, 2021, after successfully winning her seat in the 2020 election. White is a retired U.S. Army Major with 26 years of service, where she received numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star. Her military experience, particularly in leadership roles, has significantly influenced her approach to public service.
Last updated: 2024-09-23

Richmond, District 3

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent Incumbent Ann Lambert will be facing Independent candidates Kenya Gibson and Maria Carra Rose in the general election for Richmond City Council’s 3rd district.

Kenya Gibson currently serves on the Richmond School Board as the 3rd District Representative. She studied at the College of William and Mary. Gibson believes in a Richmond that can provide opportunities for all. She says that “at our core, Richmonders want every community to be safe and to thrive.” She is running because our city’s government is not working for us and intends to use her experience serving on the School Board to better define what our government can mean.

On the Issues 
⭐ Believes in transparency, participation, and accessibility
⭐ Strongly pro-union, boasting endorsements from Teamsters Local 322 and the SEIU Virginia State Council and celebrated RPS and City workers who have won their own unions
⭐ Supports accessible and affordable housing for all who want to live in Richmond
⭐ Acknowledges the history of racial disparity and segregation in the city and puts forth plans to address that impact
⭐ Helped pass policy that protects teachers, students, and parents, enabling collective bargaining and returning control over building construction to the school district to allow more oversight and community input

Recommendation (Note: Not an endorsement!)
Because of her commitment to progressive policy and strong support from progressive organizations and unions such as New Virginia Majority, Richmond Education Association, 32BJ SEIU, SEIU Virginia 512, and Teamsters 322, Kenya Gibson is the most progressive choice in this race.
Last updated: 2024-10-29

Other Candidates

Incumbent City Councilwoman Ann-Frances Lambert currently serves as the Vice President of Richmond City Council and the representative for the 3rd district in Richmond, Virginia. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Governmental Operations Standing Committee, a member of the Land Use and Transportation Committee, and the Chair of the Richmond Sister Cities Commission. Councilwoman Lambert holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Howard University. 

Independent candidate Maria Carra Rose is a member of the Richmond City Democratic Committee and a former human resources professional. She is a longtime organizer and activist who previously served as a general contractor. Rose is a longtime resident of the Third District and is the mother of two Richmond Public School students. While her values seem to be progressive, there is not enough information outside of her campaign site to consider her strongly more progressive than either of the other two candidates in this race. 

Last updated: 2024-10-29

Incumbent City Councilwoman Ann-Frances Lambert currently serves as the Vice President of Richmond City Council and the representative for the 3rd district in Richmond, Virginia. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Governmental Operations Standing Committee, a member of the Land Use and Transportation Committee, and the Chair of the Richmond Sister Cities Commission. Councilwoman Lambert holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Howard University. 

Independent candidate Maria Carra Rose is a member of the Richmond City Democratic Committee and a former human resources professional. She is a longtime organizer and activist who previously served as a general contractor. Rose is a longtime resident of the Third District and is the mother of two Richmond Public School students. While her values seem to be progressive, there is not enough information outside of her campaign site to consider her strongly more progressive than either of the other two candidates in this race. 

Last updated: 2024-10-29

Richmond, District 4

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent candidate Sarah Abubaker is running unopposed in the general election for Richmond City Council’s 4th district.

Sarah Abubaker is a community organizer and neighborhood advocate, currently serving as President of the Westover Hills Neighborhood Association. Abubaker received her BA in Political Science from JMU, her Master of Public Administration at VCU, and studied at the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. She has worked in a variety of service roles, including in Constituent Services and Workforce Development Policy under Governor Tim Kaine, as Director of Advancement Operations at the University of Richmond, as the Associate Director of Advocacy and Outreach for RPS, and as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Mass Communications at Virginia State University.

On the Issues
⭐ Abubaker specifically advocates for “walkable and liveable neighborhoods”. She argues that every Fourth District neighborhood should provide car-free access to green space, amenities, or community gathering places.
⭐ Abubaker promises to continue to prioritize supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses that bring value to their communities. She also focuses on investing in our parks.
⭐ Abubaker lists “protecting our natural resources” as one of her top priorities. She acknowledges the fourth district's natural beauty and its importance to the community.
⭐ Lists “affordable housing and property tax reform” as one of her key issues. She knows that the City must increase housing inventory to match demand while also ensuring current residents are not priced out of the market.
⭐ Finally, Abubaker lists “a more responsive and effective city hall as a key issue. She acknowledges that the taxes Richmond residents pay are not reflected in the quality of services they receive. She goes into specific issues, such as citizens enduring long waits for permits to improve their homes or having to resort to asking their City Councilmember to intervene to get a response from city departments.

Things to Note
As proof of Abubaker’s commitment to commonsense governing, current Councilmember Kristen Nye has chosen to endorse her run for the seat she will be vacating.

RECOMMENDATION
Abubaker’s policy stances and advocacy paint her as a progressive. Although she may be the only candidate in the race, she remains a solidly progressive choice.
Last updated: 2024-09-25
Non-Partisan

Garrett Sawyer

This election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Garrett Sawyer has earned the endorsement of our education partners at The Virginia Voter Guide, which we have included below. You can also learn more about him on their website here. 

Garrett Sawyer is a community leader and the CEO of Sawyer HR Consulting, currently serving as the interim representative for District 4 on the Richmond City School Board. A lifelong Richmond resident and product of the public school system, he holds degrees in public administration and has extensive experience in governance, strategic planning, and policy implementation.
Last updated: 2024-09-23

Richmond, District 5

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent Incumbent Stephanie Lynch is running unopposed in the general election for Richmond City Council’s 5th district.

Stephanie Lynch is the current City Councilor for Richmond’s 5th District. Lynch received her education at VCU, where she served as the Academic Affairs Chair and Senate Chair for the Student Government Association and worked on the VCU Go Green Initiative. She graduated with a double major in Psychology and Gender Studies with an African American Studies minor. Her love for community pushed her to engage with local area nonprofits throughout Richmond, leading her to work with Urban League of Richmond to conduct public health fairs, volunteer as an after-school mentor for St. Andrew’s Elementary School, and organize resource drives for Safe Harbor, a shelter for survivors of Domestic Violence.

On the Issues
⭐ Lynch advocated and voted for upgrades to the infrastructure surrounding State Route 161, including street upgrades that “provide important connections to the city’s bike network, expand accessibility, and improve safety for people walking, rolling, and biking.”
⭐ Committed to “modernizing our aging infrastructure, protecting and preserving our environment, and creating a more inclusive city landscape.”
⭐ Committed to “expanding access to affordable housing, tackling our eviction crisis, and helping our legacy residents age in place.”
⭐ Believes that working to promote greater transparency and trust in city government means holding the city accountable for its promises, asking tough questions, and measuring our success against what has made a true and tangible impact for city residents.
⭐ Committed to “re-imagining public safety in our City by ensuring transparency and accountability in our police department, but also through changing our approach to how we serve and protect all of our residents.”

RECOMMENDATION
Lynch’s policy stances and advocacy paint her as a progressive. Although she may be the only candidate in the race, she remains a solidly progressive choice.
Last updated: 2024-09-25
Non-Partisan

Mamie Taylor

This election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Mamie Taylor has earned the endorsement of our education partners at The Virginia Voter Guide, which we have included below. You can also learn more about her on their website here. 

Mamie Taylor is a former Richmond School Board representative, serving the 5th District from 2013 to 2016. She has extensive experience as a teacher and education advocate, focusing on improving public education for youth and families with special needs. Taylor holds a degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University and has three children who are graduates of Richmond Public Schools.
Last updated: 2024-09-23

Richmond, District 6

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent candidates Tavares Floyd, Ellen Robertson, Willie Hilliard, are running unopposed in the general election for Richmond City Council’s 6th district.

Based on the information we could find, we are unable to determine who is the more progressive choice in this race. We encourage you to reach out to the campaigns about the issues that matter to you most. Remember, there are other races to vote in this election!


Last updated: 2024-10-29

This election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Shonda Harris-Muhammed has earned the endorsement of our education partners at The Virginia Voter Guide, which we have included below. You can also learn more about her on their website here.

Shonda Harris-Muhammed is a current member of the Richmond City School Board, representing District 6. She has previously served as the board chair and has been an advocate for educational equity, school rezoning, and the improvement of early childhood education. Harris-Muhammed has played a significant role in Richmond Public Schools, pushing for policies that aim to address systemic issues and enhance opportunities for students and families.
Last updated: 2024-09-23

Richmond, District 7

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent Incumbent Cynthia Newbille and Independent candidate Eric Sundberg are running unopposed in the general election for Richmond City Council’s 7th district.

Based on the information we could find, we are unable to determine who is the more progressive choice in this race. We encourage you to reach out to the campaigns about the issues that matter to you most. Remember, there are other races to vote in this election!
Last updated: 2024-10-29

Richmond, District 8

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent Incumbent Reva Trammel and Independent candidate Frank Henry Wilson Jr. are running unopposed in the general election for Richmond City Council’s 8th district.

Issues we dug up in our research:
In 2020, Trammell was involved in a scandal during her run for office in which one of her largest donors during the campaign cycle was a now-convicted drug kingpin. Trammell did not offer any explanation of the donation or relationship.
Also in 2020, Trammell shared a post to her facebook account in which a racist Jim Crow-era caricature was prominently displayed in her kitchen. She said she had no idea it was racist, even though it is labeled as one of the most prominent archetypes of the Jim Crow era and is prominently featured on the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia’s website.
While serving on the council in 2020, Trammell drew additional fire for being one of only two council members who opposed a symbolic resolution to request the state to grant authority over Confederate monuments to local governments.
In 2023, Trammell was involved in another political fiasco involving the Hickory Hill Community Center. The Richmond Fire Department had proposed to build a fire training facility with a two-story burn building where firefighters could simulate extinguishing live infernos on the grounds of the community center on East Belt Boulevard. Despite opposition by local environmental group Southside ReLeaf and being denied by both the city’s Urban Design Commission and the Planning Commission, 8th District representative Reva Trammell and Mayor Stoney introduced a joint resolution in favor of the burn facility that the City Council then passed. The city eventually reversed course, but only after pushing hard for what was felt by many to be a hostile takeover against the clear wishes of the community.
Trammell has been caught multiple times using her position in unethical and illegal ways and making unregulated, unsupervised distributions of gift cards that she labels “constituent services”, which she never disclosed as any kind of donation.

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Frank H. Wilson Jr. was born in Austin, Texas. His father served in the army, and his mother worked as a housekeeper. He has Bachelors Degree from Rice University, Masters Degree from Liberty University, and four major designations in Insurance and Financial Services.

Note: Public forums show many comments expressing concern with Wilson’s candidacy, arguing that he does not live in the community and does not seem to care about their actual interests.

RECOMMENDATION
There are no excuses or even explanations for Councilwoman Trammel's past actions. We cannot, in good conscience, recommend Trammel in this race. Given what little information we could find on Frank H. Wilson Jr., there does not appear to be a progressive option in this race.
Last updated: 2024-10-21
Non-Partisan

Cruz Sherman

This election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Cruz Sherman has earned the endorsement of our education partners at The Virginia Voter Guide, which we have included below. You can also learn more about him on their website here. 

PH “Cruz” Sherman is a candidate for the Richmond City School Board in District 8 for the 2024 election. He has a background as a chaplain with the Richmond Police Department and previously worked as a youth crisis counselor at Blackwell Elementary and as a special education instructor in Chesterfield Public Schools.
Last updated: 2024-09-23

Richmond, District 9

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent candidates Nicole Jones and Stephanie Diane Starling are running unopposed in the general election for Richmond City Council’s 9th district.

Nicole Jones is currently serving as the 9th District’s Councillor following her appointment to the seat upon previous City Councilman Michael J. Jones’s (no relation) election to the 77th District seat of the House of Delegates. Previously, she served on the Richmon d School Board. She is the mother of two Richmond Public Schools graduates, which led to her involvement in the parent-teacher association and ultimately to serve as the 9th District School Board representative. She is also an executive for the nonprofit ART 180, a local organization that promotes the arts for young people in Richmond.

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.
Last updated: 2024-10-29

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.

Last updated: 2024-10-29

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.

Last updated: 2024-10-29