Progressive Voters Guide Powered by Progress Virginia
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Non-Partisan

Rodney Alan Jordan

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This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent candidates Carlos Clanton, James Edmund Graham, Phillip Hawkins Jr., Rodney Alan Jordan, Leon L. Judge, and Christine E. Smith will face each other in the general election for Norfolk Superward City Council’s 7th district. The seat was previously held by Danica Royster, who withdrew from the race.

Independent candidate Rodney Alan Jordan is a current School Board member. He was appointed to the board in 2012 and elected in 2016. He served as Board Chair from 2015-2018 and Vice Chair in 2020. Jordan is a Digital Inclusion Visionary and Technology Consultant and serves as the Chief Community Engagement Officer for McKinley-Megginson Group. There, he also serves as the Director of its MELANET Center for Digital Inclusion.

On the Issues
⭐ Advocated for Norfolk School Board’s first equity policy to better meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students
⭐ Led resident-driven initiative to revitalize a neighborhood, leading to the city’s adoption of similar initiatives

Worth Noting
It was difficult to find clear examples of Jordan’s stances on progressive issues. However, he has a slew of achievements, as well as endorsements that are worth taking into consideration.
Last updated: 2024-09-25

City of Norfolk

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Election Day November 5, 2024
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Federal

President and Vice President

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz photo
Democrat

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

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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

U.S. Senator

Tim Kaine photo
Democrat

Tim Kaine

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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: 2024-09-25

3rd Congressional District

U.S. Representative

Bobby Scott photo
Democrat

Bobby Scott

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Virginia’s 3rd district includes 4 counties and parts of Chesapeake City. With a population of 781,088 this district leans Democratic.

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Incumbent Democrat Bobby Scott, Republican candidate John Sitka, and Independent candidate Rhoda Taylor-Young will face each other in the general election for Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District. Congressman Bobby Scott has served in the House of Representatives since 1993.

Democrat incumbent Congressman Bobby Scott has served in Congress since 1993. He previously served in the State Senate from 1983 until 1993, as well as the House of Delegates from 1978 until 1983. He grew up in Newport News and is a graduate of Harvard College and Boston College Law School. Previously, he served in the National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve. He is the Top Democrat of the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Crime Subcommittee on the House Judiciary Committee.

On the Issues
⭐ Supports reproductive freedom and the right to abortion
⭐ Co-sponsored Women’s Health Protection Act, Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act of 2023, and Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom
⭐ Sponsored the Raise the Wage Act of 2023 alongside Senator Bernie Sanders
⭐ Praises the Affordable Healthcare Act and opposes attempts to weaken or repeal the act
⭐ Is a member of the Pro-Choice Caucus and co-sponsored the Access to Family Building Act (establishes a federal right to access IVF)
⭐ Introduced the Lower Drug Costs for American Families Act
⭐ Sponsored the Safe, Accountable, Fair, and Effective (SAFE) Justice Act
⭐ Supports gun violence prevention and helped introduce the Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act
⭐ Voted in favor of an assault weapons ban
⭐ As Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, voted in favor of the John Lewis Voting Rights Bill
⭐ There are more good things… simply too much too list here.

Things to Note
Founded the Peninsula Legal Aid Center
One of the youngest branch presidents of the Newport News NAACP
Serves on the Committee on the Budget
Vice-chair of the House Democratic Caucus Gun Violence Prevention TasK Force

The Opposition
Congressman Bobby Scott is being challenged by Republican John Sitka. 🤡 He unsuccessfully ran for the Virginia House of Delegates District 93 seat against Delegate Jackie Glass in 2023. Sitka has a Doctorate in Education Leadership from Liberty University. He is a Navy Veteran. His issues page engages in anti-immigrant rhetoric, and he looks to “a wall” as a way to enforce clearly anti-immigrant/anti-immigration ideas. Sitka opposes gun violence prevention legislation. In other words, he is absolutely not a progressive. 🤬

Recommendation (Note: Not an Endorsement!)
Because of his decades-long career in progressive politics and his track record of fighting for the people, Bobby Scott is the progressive candidate in this race. Honestly, we couldn’t even include all the amazing legislation he has been part of.
Last updated: 2024-09-06

City of Norfolk

Norfolk Mayor

No Recommendation

Incumbent Norfolk City Mayor, Kenneth Alexander was first elected in 2016. Prior to serving the City of Norfolk, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002-2012 and the Virginia State Senate from 2012-2016. 

While he does hold some progressive positions, such a desire to address how climate change impacts the city, increase access to affordable housing, and increasing school funding, we find part of his public safety plan troubling. He supports “utilizing technology to enhance enforcement capabilities and increasing police presence” as a way to address traffic enforcement. 🤔

Independent candidate Thomas Paul Leeman Jr. is a financial advisor who previously worked as a master electrician after completing a VoTech program at Granby High School. Among his priorities are addressing food insecurity, sea-level rise, and increasing affordable housing.

The Opposition

Independent candidate Giovanni Dolmo unsuccessfully ran as a Republican candidate in the 2022 Special Election for District 89 in the Virginia House of Delegates. He is a Navy veteran and home preacher.

Recommendation (Note: Not an endorsement!) 

While both Mayor Kenneth Alexander and independent candidate Thomas Paul Leeman Jr. both appear knowledgeable on the issues facing Norfolk citizens, we could not find enough information regarding either candidate’s plans should they win the election. Because of this we cannot offer a strong recommendation for either candidate. We encourage you to contact each campaign about the issues that matter to you most. Remember, there are other races this election, so please make sure to get out and vote. 

Incumbent Norfolk City Mayor, Kenneth Alexander was first elected in 2016. Prior to serving the City of Norfolk, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002-2012 and the Virginia State Senate from 2012-2016. 

While he does hold some progressive positions, such a desire to address how climate change impacts the city, increase access to affordable housing, and increasing school funding, we find part of his public safety plan troubling. He supports “utilizing technology to enhance enforcement capabilities and increasing police presence” as a way to address traffic enforcement. 🤔

Independent candidate Thomas Paul Leeman Jr. is a financial advisor who previously worked as a master electrician after completing a VoTech program at Granby High School. Among his priorities are addressing food insecurity, sea-level rise, and increasing affordable housing.

The Opposition

Independent candidate Giovanni Dolmo unsuccessfully ran as a Republican candidate in the 2022 Special Election for District 89 in the Virginia House of Delegates. He is a Navy veteran and home preacher.

Recommendation (Note: Not an endorsement!) 

While both Mayor Kenneth Alexander and independent candidate Thomas Paul Leeman Jr. both appear knowledgeable on the issues facing Norfolk citizens, we could not find enough information regarding either candidate’s plans should they win the election. Because of this we cannot offer a strong recommendation for either candidate. We encourage you to contact each campaign about the issues that matter to you most. Remember, there are other races this election, so please make sure to get out and vote. 

Norfolk, Superward 7

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

Norfolk City Council, Superward 7

Carlos Clanton photo
Non-Partisan

Carlos Clanton

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This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent candidates Carlos Clanton, James Edmund Graham, Phillip Hawkins Jr., Rodney Alan Jordan, Leon L. Judge, and Christine E. Smith will face each other in the general election for Norfolk Superward City Council’s 7th district. The seat was previously held by Danica Royster, who withdrew from the race.

Independent candidate Carlos Clanton was elected to the Norfolk City School Board for Ward 3 in 2022. Clanton was born and raised in Norfolk and graduated from Old Dominion University. He previously served as the Director of the Norfolk Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Director of the Office of Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships. He is the Chair of the Governor’s School for the Arts Regional Board of Governors and was the 9th President of the National Urban League Young Professionals. He is a Moms Demand Gun Sense Candidate.

On the Issues
⭐ Supports community-based violence prevention and efforts to promote successful reentry for non-violent offenders
⭐ Advocates for expanding broadband services to underserved neighborhoods
⭐ Supports increasing funding for public education, affordable childcare, and mental health services
⭐ Committed to enhancing Norfolk’s infrastructure and adopting sustainable practices

Worth Noting
One of Clanton’s priorities is to reduce the tax burden. He mentions increasing revenue through economic development and expanding the city’s tax base as opportunities to lower the property tax rates. Though tax rates tend to burden those most in need of assistance, we know that the lowering of taxes directly correlates to the decrease in social services.

While most of the information supporting Clanton’s progressive stances were found through his campaign page and social media accounts, he has garnered some impressive endorsements from progressive champions.
Last updated: 2024-09-25
Phillip Hawkins Jr. photo
Non-Partisan

Phillip Hawkins Jr.

Website

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent candidates Carlos Clanton, James Edmund Graham, Phillip Hawkins Jr., Rodney Alan Jordan, Leon L. Judge, and Christine E. Smith will face each other in the general election for Norfolk Superward City Council’s 7th district. The seat was previously held by Danica Royster, who withdrew from the race.

Independent candidate Phillip Hawkins Jr. is a lifelong Superward 7 resident. He holds a Master of Arts in Urban Education and School Leadership from Norfolk State University. Hawkins is currently the Assistant Principal at the P.B. Young Sr. Elementary School. He previously served as the local union President of the Education Association of Norfolk. This is his fourth time running for Norfolk City Council since 2010.

On the Issues
⭐ Lists his top priority as equity, access and opportunity in regards to affordable quality housing
⭐ Promotes affordable and accessible public transportation
⭐ Suggests implementing rent control policies
⭐ Advocates for increasing school funding
⭐ Encourages downtown redevelopment plans that support housing and a mix of large and small businesses

Worth Noting
Hawkins mentions using the “latest crime prevention technology” to help address crime. While this phrase does not specifically say what kinds of technology, we know that the use of facial recognition technology can be harmful.
Last updated: 2024-09-25
Rodney Alan Jordan photo
Non-Partisan

Rodney Alan Jordan

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This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent candidates Carlos Clanton, James Edmund Graham, Phillip Hawkins Jr., Rodney Alan Jordan, Leon L. Judge, and Christine E. Smith will face each other in the general election for Norfolk Superward City Council’s 7th district. The seat was previously held by Danica Royster, who withdrew from the race.

Independent candidate Rodney Alan Jordan is a current School Board member. He was appointed to the board in 2012 and elected in 2016. He served as Board Chair from 2015-2018 and Vice Chair in 2020. Jordan is a Digital Inclusion Visionary and Technology Consultant and serves as the Chief Community Engagement Officer for McKinley-Megginson Group. There, he also serves as the Director of its MELANET Center for Digital Inclusion.

On the Issues
⭐ Advocated for Norfolk School Board’s first equity policy to better meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students
⭐ Led resident-driven initiative to revitalize a neighborhood, leading to the city’s adoption of similar initiatives

Worth Noting
It was difficult to find clear examples of Jordan’s stances on progressive issues. However, he has a slew of achievements, as well as endorsements that are worth taking into consideration.
Last updated: 2024-09-25

Other Candidates

Independent candidate Christine Smith was born and raised in Norfolk and holds a degree in accounting from Hampton University. She has over 35 years of experience in government accounting. She was previously elected to serve on the School Board in Norfolk’s Ward 4. Her campaign site lists fiscal responsibilities, economic development, and public safety as her priorities. She is a Moms Demand Gun Sense Candidate. While she appears to be progressive on some issues like gun violence prevention and affordable housing, not enough information could be found to strongly recommend her as a progressive candidate.

Independent candidate Leon Judge is a retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer. Lowering the rate of gun violence in the city and addressing affordable housing are priorities of his. Additional information could not be found to strongly recommend him as a progressive candidate.

We could not find information on independent candidate James Edmund Graham–including a campaign site.

Recommendation (Note: Not an endorsement!)
For this race, Carlos Clanton, Phillip Hawkins Jr., and Rodney Alan Jordan are progressive choices. However, there is not enough information to declare one more progressive than the others. We encourage you to reach out to these campaigns about what matters to you most. Remember, there are other races to vote in during this election.

Last updated: 2024-09-25

Independent candidate Christine Smith was born and raised in Norfolk and holds a degree in accounting from Hampton University. She has over 35 years of experience in government accounting. She was previously elected to serve on the School Board in Norfolk’s Ward 4. Her campaign site lists fiscal responsibilities, economic development, and public safety as her priorities. She is a Moms Demand Gun Sense Candidate. While she appears to be progressive on some issues like gun violence prevention and affordable housing, not enough information could be found to strongly recommend her as a progressive candidate.

Independent candidate Leon Judge is a retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer. Lowering the rate of gun violence in the city and addressing affordable housing are priorities of his. Additional information could not be found to strongly recommend him as a progressive candidate.

We could not find information on independent candidate James Edmund Graham–including a campaign site.

Recommendation (Note: Not an endorsement!)
For this race, Carlos Clanton, Phillip Hawkins Jr., and Rodney Alan Jordan are progressive choices. However, there is not enough information to declare one more progressive than the others. We encourage you to reach out to these campaigns about what matters to you most. Remember, there are other races to vote in during this election.

Last updated: 2024-09-25