Progressive Voters Guide Powered by Progress Virginia
Rue Willis photo
Non-Partisan

Rue Willis

This election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Rue Willis 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. 

Rue Willis, a Hampton Roads native and candidate for the Chesapeake School Board, is an experienced educator and passionate advocate for inclusive, quality education. With a background in International Studies from Old Dominion University and experience as a substitute teacher in Chesapeake and Newport News, Rue is committed to addressing pandemic-era learning loss, improving mental health support in schools, and increasing educator pay. As the first openly non-binary candidate for Chesapeake School Board, Rue seeks to create an equitable and supportive environment for all students
Last updated: 2024-09-23

City of Chesapeake

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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: 2024-10-22

Congress

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

2nd Congressional District

U.S. Representative

Missy Cotter Smasal photo
Democrat

Missy Cotter Smasal

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram (Twitter)

Virginia’s 2nd district includes 6 counties and parts of Southampton county and Chesapeake City. With a population of 780,161, this district leans Republican.

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Incumbent Republican Jen Kiggans and Democratic candidate Missy Cotter Smasal will face each other in the general election for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. Congresswoman Jen Kiggans has served in the House of Representatives since 2022.

Missy Cotter Smasal is a former small business owner who served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy. She is an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University and the executive director of Valor Run, a nonprofit organization that honors service women through running events. Smasal serves as the Virginia Citizen representative of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Villanova University and her Master or Science in Education from Old Dominion University. She lives with her husband and two children in Virginia Beach.

On the Issues
⭐ Champions reproductive freedom and access to abortion
⭐ Supports codifying access to abortion
⭐ Stated she will never support cuts to Social Security and Medicare, urging action that ensures both remain strong
⭐ Advocates for expanding Medicare’s ability to negotiate lower prescription prices
⭐ Supports fair share taxes on wealthy to increase revenue for social services
⭐ Against privatization of Social Security
⭐ Advocated for Virginia Beach’s ERA resolution
⭐ Expressed need to hold corporations accountable for price gouging
⭐ Advocates for policies that focus on economic growth in Coastal Virginia
⭐ Public Service is about delivering results for your community.


The Opposition
Missy Cotter Smasal is challenging Republican incumbent Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, who has served in Congress since 2022. Previously, she served as a Virginia State Senator from 2020-2021. She is a U.S. Navy veteran and nurse practitioner. Kiggans does not support access to abortion or common sense gun violence prevention legislation. While in the state legislature she introduced anti-trans legislation that targeted trans students. Progress Virginia has taken issue with her stances for years. Here are just some of her bad votes while in the state legislature and as a member of Congress:
🤡 Voted against establishing the Reproductive Health Protection Act
🤡 Voted against repealing the Abortion Prohibition in Virginia Health Insurance Plans
🤡 Voted against establishing gun-free zones on School Board property
🤡 Voted against prohibiting the possession of firearms within 40 feet of a polling place
🤡 Voted against establishing protections for transgender students
🤡 Voted to force schools to out transgender students to their parents regardless of their safety
🤡 Voted against increasing the amount of time the State Department has to complete firearm background checks
🤡 Voted against prohibiting individuals subject to a protective order from possessing firearms
She also co-sponsored a bill to prohibit mask mandates in schools at the height of the pandemic. 🤮 And she endorsed Donald Trump. Eww. 🤬

Recommendation (Note: Not an Endorsement!)
Missy Cotter Smasal is a strong advocate for reproductive freedoms, holding corporations accountable, and fair share taxes. Because of this, Missy Cotter Smasal is the progressive candidate in this race.
Last updated: 2024-09-06

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 Chesapeake

Chesapeake School Board At-Large

Gregory Gerard Dono photo
Non-Partisan

Gregory Gerard Dono

Chesapeake is an independent city located in Hampton Roads. It is surrounded by Norfolk and Portsmouth to the north, Suffolk to the west, and Virginia Beach to the east. It is the second most populous independent city in Virginia. The city has close to 175,000 registered voters. The city skews Republican, though it is considered a bellwether. 

This election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Gregory Gerard Dono 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. 

Gregory Gerard Dono is a candidate for the Chesapeake School Board in Virginia, bringing experience as a U.S. Navy veteran and former federal law enforcement officer. He holds degrees in business and law, showcasing his commitment to education and public service. Dono emphasizes a focus on improving school safety, supporting teachers, and ensuring transparency in decision-making. He aims to represent the community with integrity and dedication to the well-being and educational success of Chesapeake students.
Last updated: 2024-09-23
Malia Huddle photo
Non-Partisan

Malia Huddle

Chesapeake is an independent city located in Hampton Roads. It is surrounded by Norfolk and Portsmouth to the north, Suffolk to the west, and Virginia Beach to the east. It is the second most populous independent city in Virginia. The city has close to 175,000 registered voters. The city skews Republican, though it is considered a bellwether. 

This election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Malia Huddle 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. 

Malia Huddle is a candidate for the Chesapeake School Board with over 35 years of experience in public education. She has worked as a school counselor, teacher, and academic advisor, including roles at Chesapeake Public Schools and Old Dominion University. Malia is focused on building consensus and partnering with parents, staff, and stakeholders to improve the school system. Her priorities include ensuring quality education for all students, supporting educators, and creating collaborative working environments. Huddle is also involved in numerous educational and community organizations
Last updated: 2024-09-23
Rue Willis photo
Non-Partisan

Rue Willis

Chesapeake is an independent city located in Hampton Roads. It is surrounded by Norfolk and Portsmouth to the north, Suffolk to the west, and Virginia Beach to the east. It is the second most populous independent city in Virginia. The city has close to 175,000 registered voters. The city skews Republican, though it is considered a bellwether. 

This election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Rue Willis 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. 

Rue Willis, a Hampton Roads native and candidate for the Chesapeake School Board, is an experienced educator and passionate advocate for inclusive, quality education. With a background in International Studies from Old Dominion University and experience as a substitute teacher in Chesapeake and Newport News, Rue is committed to addressing pandemic-era learning loss, improving mental health support in schools, and increasing educator pay. As the first openly non-binary candidate for Chesapeake School Board, Rue seeks to create an equitable and supportive environment for all students
Last updated: 2024-09-23
Samuel L Boone, Jr photo
Non-Partisan

Samuel L Boone, Jr

Chesapeake is an independent city located in Hampton Roads. It is surrounded by Norfolk and Portsmouth to the north, Suffolk to the west, and Virginia Beach to the east. It is the second most populous independent city in Virginia. The city has close to 175,000 registered voters. The city skews Republican, though it is considered a bellwether. 

This election will be held on November 5, 2024.

Samuel L Boone, Jr 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. 
Last updated: 2024-09-23

Chesapeake Mayor

No Recommendation

Chesapeake is an independent city located in Hampton Roads. It is surrounded by Norfolk and Portsmouth to the north, Suffolk to the west, and Virginia Beach to the east. It is the second most populous independent city in Virginia. The city has close to 175,000 registered voters. The city skews Republican, though it is considered a bellwether. 

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independent incumbent Mayor Rick West is being challenged by independent candidate Don Carey in the general election for the Chesapeake City Mayoral race.

Incumbent Chesapeake City Mayor Rick West is seeking his second term. He grew up in rural Chesapeake alongside his two brothers and two sisters. He graduated from Great Bridge High School and went on to study at Ferrum College, Old Dominion University, the University of Virginia, and Virginia Tech. For over 30 years he worked as a teacher and administrator for Chesapeake Public Schools. He previously served on City Council, as well as Vice-Mayor. Mayor West notes on his campaign page his desire to bring people from both sides together. His site also features photos with Governor Glenn Youngkin. 😑

City Councilman Don Carey serves as the Vice Chair of the Hampton Roads Transit Authority and serves on the Virginia Board of Social Services. A native of Norfolk, Virginia, he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and earned his degree from Norfolk State University. He also holds a Master’s degree from Indiana University.

Recommendation (Note: Not an endorsement!)

While Incumbent Mayor Rick West showcases a career devoted to public schools, it is concerning that his campaign page highlights photos with Governor Glenn Youngkin–someone who has shown little regard to the importance of public schooling and has supported legislation to actively diminish its accessibility and inclusivity. We’re talking about tip lines, anti-LGBTQ policies, and critical race theory–to name a few. There is currently a call for his resignation after he asked a city attorney to look into a private legal matter for a family member.

City Councilman Don Carey is challenging incumbent mayor Rick West. Carey’s campaign site shows some progressive-leaning positions, such as supporting public schools and combatting the lack of affordable housing. However, it should be noted that in the 2023 primary, Carey ran as a Republican candidate for the District 89 House of Delegates seat.

For these reasons, we cannot recommend a progressive candidate in this race. We encourage you to write-in a candidate, and remember, there are other races to vote in during this election!
Last updated: 2024-10-21

Chesapeake City Council (top 3 vote getters)

Dr. Pat King photo
Non-Partisan

Dr. Pat King

Website

Chesapeake is an independent city located in Hampton Roads. It is surrounded by Norfolk and Portsmouth to the north, Suffolk to the west, and Virginia Beach to the east. It is the second most populous independent city in Virginia. The city has close to 175,000 registered voters. The city skews Republican, though it is considered a bellwether. 

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independents Reagan Davis, incumbent Robert Ike, Jeff Jefferies, Pat King, Jennifer Maperala, incumbent Debbie Ritter, Les Smith, Jeff Staples, and Eric Vaughn Wray II will face each other in the general election for Chesapeake City Council At Large. Incumbent City Councilman Don Carey is seeking the Chesapeake City mayoral seat. The top three vote getters will be elected.

Les Smith photo
Non-Partisan

Les Smith

Website Endorsements

Chesapeake is an independent city located in Hampton Roads. It is surrounded by Norfolk and Portsmouth to the north, Suffolk to the west, and Virginia Beach to the east. It is the second most populous independent city in Virginia. The city has close to 175,000 registered voters. The city skews Republican, though it is considered a bellwether. 

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independents Reagan Davis, incumbent Robert Ike, Jeff Jefferies, Pat King, Jennifer Maperala, incumbent Debbie Ritter, Les Smith, Jeff Staples, and Eric Vaughn Wray II will face each other in the general election for Chesapeake City Council At Large. Incumbent City Councilman Don Carey is seeking the Chesapeake City mayoral seat. The top three vote getters will be elected.

Les Smith is a retired deputy sheriff and the former Chairman of the Chesapeake Democratic Committee. He is a business owner and graduate of The University of Richmond. Smith is a founder of the Ground Zero Development Program, which is a nonprofit that focuses on tutoring young men in Chesapeake. He previously ran for Chesapeake City Council in 2018, 2020, and 2022.

On the Issues
⭐ Promotes public transportation and wants to increase park and ride incentives as a way to combat road congestion
⭐ Promotes building businesses in areas that lack resources, such as food deserts
⭐ Wants to implement a task force to address gun violence

Worth Noting
Smith has the endorsement of Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas, a longtime progressive champion, as well as the Chesapeake Democratic Committee.
Last updated: 2024-09-25
Reagan Davis photo
Non-Partisan

Reagan Davis

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram (Twitter)

Chesapeake is an independent city located in Hampton Roads. It is surrounded by Norfolk and Portsmouth to the north, Suffolk to the west, and Virginia Beach to the east. It is the second most populous independent city in Virginia. The city has close to 175,000 registered voters. The city skews Republican, though it is considered a bellwether. 

This election will be held on November 5, 2024. Independents Reagan Davis, incumbent Robert Ike, Jeff Jefferies, Pat King, Jennifer Maperala, incumbent Debbie Ritter, Les Smith, Jeff Staples, and Eric Vaughn Wray II will face each other in the general election for Chesapeake City Council At Large. Incumbent City Councilman Don Carey is seeking the Chesapeake City mayoral seat. The top three vote getters will be elected.

Other Candidates

Other Candidates 

Independent candidate Jennifer Naperala began work as an English teacher in Chesapeake in 2000. She wants to focus on workers’ rights, and programs that strengthen the Chesapeake community such as housing initiatives and improvements for public schools.

Independent Jeff Staples was born and raised in Virginia. He is an activist who has focused on disparity and environmental issues. Staples wants to focus on recycling, election infrastructure, public transportation, and better resources for city employees. He previously ran as a Green Party candidate in two House of Delegates races, as well as an independent in a State Senate race.

The Opposition
Incumbent City Councilman Robert Ike was first elected to the Chesapeake City Council in 2012. He is a member of the Republican Party of Chesapeake. 😒 

Jeff Jefferies is endorsed by the Chesapeake Republican Party. 😒

Incumbent City Councilwoman Debbie “S.Z.” Ritter was first elected to the Chesapeake City council in 2008. While her campaign site appeared to be inaccessible at the time of the research for this voter guide, Ballotpedia notes her as a member of the Republican Party. 😒 

Eric Wray is endorsed by the Republican Party of Chesapeake. 

Recommendation (Note: Not an Endorsement!)
It should be noted that we could find little information beyond campaign sites and social media pages for most of the progressive leaning candidates. With the limited information we could find, we recommend Dr. Pat King, Les Smith, and Reagan Davis as progressive candidates in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-21

Other Candidates 

Independent candidate Jennifer Naperala began work as an English teacher in Chesapeake in 2000. She wants to focus on workers’ rights, and programs that strengthen the Chesapeake community such as housing initiatives and improvements for public schools.

Independent Jeff Staples was born and raised in Virginia. He is an activist who has focused on disparity and environmental issues. Staples wants to focus on recycling, election infrastructure, public transportation, and better resources for city employees. He previously ran as a Green Party candidate in two House of Delegates races, as well as an independent in a State Senate race.

The Opposition
Incumbent City Councilman Robert Ike was first elected to the Chesapeake City Council in 2012. He is a member of the Republican Party of Chesapeake. 😒 

Jeff Jefferies is endorsed by the Chesapeake Republican Party. 😒

Incumbent City Councilwoman Debbie “S.Z.” Ritter was first elected to the Chesapeake City council in 2008. While her campaign site appeared to be inaccessible at the time of the research for this voter guide, Ballotpedia notes her as a member of the Republican Party. 😒 

Eric Wray is endorsed by the Republican Party of Chesapeake. 

Recommendation (Note: Not an Endorsement!)
It should be noted that we could find little information beyond campaign sites and social media pages for most of the progressive leaning candidates. With the limited information we could find, we recommend Dr. Pat King, Les Smith, and Reagan Davis as progressive candidates in this race.

Last updated: 2024-10-21