Fairfax County

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Republican incumbent Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and former Democratic US Representative Abigail Spanberger will face each other in the general election for Governor of Virginia.

The Democratic nominee for Governor, Abigail Spanberger actually fights to expand healthcare and reproductive freedom instead of rolling over when conservatives threaten to restrict abortion rights. She’s committed to investing in clean energy, holding polluters accountable, and reducing energy costs for working families. Her gun-safety agenda goes far beyond “thoughts and prayers,” taking on the NRA head-on instead of cashing their donation checks. Spanberger’s pragmatic progressive vision gives suburban moderates and left-leaners tired of corporate centrism and culture-war theatrics a real reason to show up.

The Opposition

The Republican nominee for Governor, Winsome Earle-Sears is all about slashing taxes for big corporations while telling unemployed workers that losing a job is “no big deal.” She grandstands against critical race theory and “woke” classrooms to score culture-war points instead of tackling real education challenges. By waving her Marine Corps credentials, she sells herself as the ultimate tough-on-crime candidate, conveniently ignoring how lax gun laws endanger communities. Her true believers are MAGA zealots who think banning books, rolling back reproductive freedoms, and erasing civil liberties are more important than looking out for working families.

Recommendation

Due to her advocacy for abortion access, gun violence prevention, and clean energy, Abigail Spanberger is the progressive candidate in this race.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Democratic Virginia State Senator Ghazala Hashmi and Republican John Reid will face each other in the general election for Lt. Governor of Virginia.

The Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor, Ghazala Hashmi is fighting to pump real money into public schools instead of the right’s perennial budget cuts and culture-war book bans. She defends reproductive freedom and Medicaid expansion for working families while conservatives keep dialing back healthcare access and waving anti-abortion placards. Her clean-energy agenda and environmental-justice bills actually target polluters, not the customary GOP handouts to pipeline lobbyists. Dreamers, suburban progressives fed up with partisan hijinks, and anyone who’d trade culture-war theatrics for equity and opportunity will cheer her unapologetic stand for Virginia’s working families.

The Opposition

The Republican nominee for Lt. Governor, John Reid is a self-styled small-government crusader who’ll happily cut taxes for wealthy donors while pretending he’s doing the same for working Virginians. He rails against “woke” curriculum and critical race theory, because apparently teaching actual American history is more offensive to him than runaway inequality. He touts law-and-order credentials and celebrity as a conservative radio host, hawking gun rights like they’re the ultimate public-safety strategy. He even plans to torpedo constitutional protections for same-sex marriage, proving that an openly gay candidate will stab his own community in the back for party unity, the perfect pick for culture-war diehards who prefer corporate giveaways to real solutions for working families.

Recommendation

Due to her advocacy for public education, abortion access, and environmental justice, Ghazala Hashmi is the progressive candidate in this race.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares faces a challenge from former Democratic Virginia State Delegate Jay Jones.

The Democratic nominee for Attorney General, Jay Jones has pledged to sue the Trump administration every time it infringes on the rights of Virginians. He’s secured victories for abortion access, expanded Medicaid to cover thousands more Virginians, and even wrote anti-price-gouging measures to keep corporate vultures in check. His public-safety plan pairs smart gun-violence prevention and community-based crime interventions rather than recycling the right’s tired “lock ’em up” mantra for political ads. Grassroots progressives, consumer-rights advocates, and anyone sick of endless culture-war stunts will line up behind a candidate who actually puts families over fear-mongering theatrics.

The Opposition

Incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares cozies up to ICE, shaming local authorities who don’t cooperate with Trump’s policies of mass deportation, because terrorizing immigrant families is apparently his idea of due process. He grandstands on opioid crackdowns but turns a blind eye to corporate-friendly loopholes that keep the drug pipeline flowing. He bills himself as a federalism champion when suing Washington over environmental rules, conveniently ignoring states’ rights whenever big donors flash a check. His true believers are tough-on-crime zealots who think more ICE raids, harsher sentencing, and tax cuts for the wealthy are the pinnacle of compassionate governance.

Recommendation

Due to his advocacy for abortion access, gun violence prevention, and Medicaid coverage, Jay Jones is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new House of Delegates 4th District encompasses parts of Alexandria City and Fairfax County. With almost 49,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Democratic House of Delegates Majority Leader Charniele Herring is running for reelection unopposed in HD-4.

Virginia’s House District 4 encompasses portions of Alexandria City and adjacent Fairfax County suburbs along the western edge of Alexandria. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Leader Charniele Herring was first elected to the General Assembly in 2009. In 2020, she became the first woman and African American to serve as House Majority Leader. She and her mother became homeless while Herring was a teenager. They stayed in a shelter while she attended school and her mother searched for work. Herring earned a degree in Economics from George Mason University and earned a JD from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law. After law school, she worked at the oldest African-American-owned firm in Greater Washington and now runs her own mediation practice, Herring Resolutions.
Committee Assignments: Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources; Health and Human Services, Labor and Commerce (Subcommittees #4 Chair), Rules (Standards of Conduct Subcommittee Chair)

Leader Herring championed the Virginia Clean Slate Act and Writ of Actual Innocence legislation, legalized marijuana with reinvestment in disproportionately harmed communities, and co-patroned the bill to abolish the death penalty.
She founded the Virginia Legislative Reproductive Health Caucus, fought forced ultrasound mandates, sponsored the Reproductive Health Protection Act to repeal medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion, and created the Virginia Maternal Health Data Task Force to address maternal health disparities.
She established the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice, sponsored the Clean Energy and Community Flood Preparedness Act to bring Virginia into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, supports alternative energy, and opposes offshore drilling.
She supports statewide funding to provide quality pre-kindergarten in every community, advocates for allowing schools to tailor instruction to individual students’ strengths and interests, and proposes raising teacher salaries.
She authored the first-ever sexual and domestic violence prevention fund in Virginia to expand services and support for survivors.
She co-patroned the proposed Constitutional Amendments protecting reproductive freedom and marriage equality, automatically restoring voting rights to people upon release from incarceration.

Recommendation

This is an uncontested race. Based on her impressive track record in office and strong community values, Leader Charniele Herring is a progressive candidate.

Virginia’s new House of Delegates 6th District encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With almost 68,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Rip Sullivan faces a challenge from Republican Kristin Hoffman in HD-6.

Virginia’s House District 6 lies entirely within Fairfax County in Northern Virginia, encompassing suburban communities west of Arlington and adjacent to the Potomac River. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democrat Delegate Rip Sullivan was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2014. He graduated from Amherst College, and then received his law degree from the University of Virginia. Delegate Sullivan is a partner at Bean Kinney & Korman, P.C. in Arlington. Prior to serving in the House of Delegates, he served on several boards and commissions. He is the father of four, all who graduated from Fairfax County public schools. He is also the grandfather to six grandchildren.
Committee Assignments: Courts of Justice, Finance (Vice Chair, Subcommittee #3 Chair), Labor and Commerce (Subcommittee #3 Chair), Rules

Key Legislation

- Voted in 2024 to increase teacher pay to the national average
- Voted in 2025 to increase protections and support for cyberbullying
- Authored and fought for the Virginia Clean Economy Act
- Voted in favor of a bill to increase minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Voted in favor of paid family and medical leave 
- Co-sponsored a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Co-sponsored the G3 Fund and Program
- Voted in favor of a bill to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control
- Voted in favor of a bill to require state health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved birth control
- Co-sponsored a bill to establish Gun Free Zones in Capitol Square and public institutions of higher education
- Co-sponsored a bill to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of assault-style weapons
- Introduced and passed Virginia’s extreme risk protection law
- Patroned a bill to increase compensation for wrongful incarceration, which was signed into law

Delegate Sullivan co-patroned HJ 1, protecting reproductive freedom. He also co-patroned HJ 2, to automatically restore voting rights to people upon release from incarceration, as well as HJ 9, repealing the state’s defunct same-sex marriage ban and guaranteeing marriage equality for LGBTQ+ Virginians.

The Opposition

Republican Kristin Hoffman is a military spouse and job counselor at a non-profit that aims to help women achieve financial stability. Hoffman holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an M.B.A. in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management from the Wharton School of Business. Hoffman refers to herself as a “staunch supporter of our police and emergency personnel,” and commits to fully funding police departments. She advocates for eliminating the car tax and lowering other taxes, which would result in a decrease in services. She also wants to repeal unspecified business regulations. We were unable to find clear stances on the Fundamental Right to Reproductive Freedom, Enshrining Marriage Equality, or the Right to Vote.

Recommendation

Due to his continued advocacy for affordable quality education, gun violence prevention, and a sustainable economy, Delegate Rip Sullivan is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new 7th House of Delegates district encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With over 67,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra faces a challenge from Republican Cassandra Aucoin in HD-7.

Virginia’s House District 7 lies entirely within Fairfax County in Northern Virginia, spanning the Oakton–Merrifield corridor just outside the Capital Beltway. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democrat Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra is an accomplished attorney, child advocate, and twice-elected At-Large member of the Fairfax County School Board. She was first elected to the General Assembly in 2023. As a Guardian Ad Litem, she has worked on cases of abuse, neglect, adoption, and family law. Delegate Keys-Gamarra is committed to education and understands its importance in providing opportunities for children's success. While she and her husband raised their three sons, Delegate Keys-Gamarra also served as a caregiver to her parents.
Committee Assignments: Communications, Technology and Innovation, Courts of Justice, Finance

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
- Previously served on the Fairfax County School Board
- Wants to provide equal access to world-class public education, including universal Pre-K, and raise teacher pay
- Voted in 2025 to increase protections against student cyberbullying

Economy and Inflation
- Co-sponsored a bill to establish paid family and medical leave
- Co-sponsored a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Co-sponsored a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Voted in favor of a bill to establish the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Health and Human Services
- Voted to authorize public colleges and universities to prohibit guns on school properties
- Voted to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved contraceptives
- Voted to prohibit the Board of Medicine from penalizing a doctor for providing legal abortion care

The Opposition

Republican Cassandra Aucoin is a military spouse and mother of two. She earned her degree from Virginia Tech. Aucoin previously held senior leadership positions in the Department of Defense. She founded military spouse support groups in Washington State and Japan. Aucoin advocates for eliminating the car tax and lowering other taxes, which would result in a decrease of services. She also lists preserving Virginia's anti-worker "Right to Work" law as a priority.

Recommendation

Due to her commitment to protecting abortion access, fighting for workers, and supporting policies that allow families to thrive, Incumbent Democrat Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new 8th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With almost 55,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Irene Shin faces a challenge from Republican Indira Massey in HD-8.

Virginia’s House District 8 lies entirely within Fairfax County, spanning suburban neighborhoods just west of the Capital Beltway including the Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners corridors and parts of West Falls Church. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democrat Delegate Irene Shin was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2021. In 2025, she ran in the primary for Virginia’s District 11 Congressional seat. Delegate Shin previously served as the executive director of the Virginia Civic Engagement Table, a nonprofit focused on increasing civic education and activity across the state. She received her B.A. in Political Science from University of California, Riverside. Shin was born and raised in Southern California to Korean immigrants. She currently resides in downtown Herndon.
Committee Assignments: Communications, Technology and Innovation (Vice Chair), Counties, Cities and Towns (Subcommittees #1 Chair), Health and Human Services, Labor and Commerce

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
Delegate Shin advocates for equity for students and increased funding for schools. Key legislation: 
- Voted against the bill that prohibited Governor’s Schools from using race as a factor in admissions processes
- Co-patroned a bill to raise teacher pay to the national average
- Voted to increase protections against cyberbullying
- Voted against a forced-outing bill targeting transgender students

Economy and Inflation
Delegate Shin pledges to lower housing costs. She supports expanding public transportation projects, including bus, Metro, regional rail, and last-mile service transport options. She also supports everyone paying their fair share in taxes.

Health and Human Services
Delegate Shin fights for accessible and affordable health care for all Virginians by lowering prescription drug costs, protecting against “surprise billing,” and increasing access to mental health services. Additionally, she voted in favor of establishing the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control, as well as having state health insurance plans cover all FDA-approved birth control. She also voted in favor of prohibiting the Board of Medicine from taking action against doctors for providing legal abortion care.

Delegate Shin has co-sponsored legislation to establish Gun Free Zones in Capitol Square and public institutions of higher education and to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of assault-style weapons.

The Opposition

Republican Indira Massey pledges to defend parents’ rights and keep politics out of the classroom. She emphasizes limiting the government's reach in education and will block funding for programs that “force political ideologies." Massey supports increases to the police force through funding and hiring. She advocates for lowering taxes, which will result in a decrease of services.

Recommendation

Due to her continued advocacy for accessible, affordable health care, commitment to gun violence prevention, and support for quality public education, Incumbent Democratic Delegate Irene Shin is the progressive candidate in this race.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Karrie Delaney faces a challenge from Republican Nhan Huynh in HD-9.

Virginia’s House District 9 lies entirely within Fairfax County, spanning the Seven Corners and Bailey’s Crossroads corridors and adjacent suburban neighborhoods. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democrat Delegate Karrie Delaney was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2017. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Florida. She worked as the communications director for a non-profit dedicated to ending sex trafficking. Those skills continued into her work with communities and international NGOs to end abuse against women. Later, Delegate Delaney formed a consulting firm and served as chair of the Fairfax County Citizen Corps Council. She also served as chair of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees.
Committee Assignments: Courts of Justice, General Laws (Professions/Occupations and Administrative Process Subcommittee Chair), Transportation (Chair)

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
- Voted to establish gun-free zones at public schools 
- Voted in favor of raising teacher pay, investing in school infrastructure, and universal Pre-K
- Voted to require schools to create transgender-friendly student policies
- Voted against a forced-outing bill targeting transgender students

Economy and Inflation
- Voted in favor of a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Co-patroned a bill to establish paid family and medical leave
- Co-patroned a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees

Health and Human Services
Key legislation:
- Voted to establish the Reproductive Health Protection Act
- Voted to repeal the abortion prohibition in Virginia health insurance plans
- Voted to expand affordable healthcare access, including capping the cost of insulin and ended surprise medical billing
- Patroned and passed bipartisan legislation to protect survivors of abuse and to combat human trafficking.

Other Issues
- Voted to prohibit no-knock search warrants
- Voted to amend anti-discrimination law to include sexual orientation and gender identity
- Voted to establish the Community Policing Act
- Voted in favor of a bill to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of assault-style weapons

The Opposition

Republican Nhan Huynh is a first-generation American, born in Vietnam. After high school, he studied engineering at Virginia Tech. He has worked as an information technology consultant for the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Institutes of Health. He is a single father to three children. Huynh wants to increase police funding to address the vacant positions for police officers. He prioritizes parents' rights first and wants to give parents the “option of rejecting or opting-out if they don’t agree with what is being taught to their children.”

Recommendation

Due to her support for quality, affordable health care, commitment to keeping communities safe, and support for policies that help families thrive, Incumbent Delegate Karrie Delaney is the progressive candidate in this race.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Dan Helmer faces a challenge from Republican David Guillin in HD-10.

Virginia’s House District 10 lies entirely within Fairfax County, tracing the Maple Avenue corridor through Vienna and Dunn Loring and extending north toward the Merrifield and Falls Church neighborhoods. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democratic Delegate Dan Helmer was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2019. The son of an immigrant and the grandson of Holocaust survivors, Helmer graduated from West Point Military Academy. He is a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he was also deployed to South Korea. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Delegate Helmer runs a small business with his wife and their two sons.
Committee Assignments: Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (Agriculture Subcommittee Chair), Labor and Commerce, Public Safety, Rules (Vice Chair; Amendments and Other Matters Subcommittee Chair)

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
- Voted to raise teacher pay to the national average
- Co-sponsored a bill to establish gun-free zones at public schools
- Voted to increase protections and support against cyber-bullying
- Voted to require schools to create transgender student-friendly policies
- Voted against a forced-outing bill targeting transgender students

Economy and Inflation
- Co-patroned a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Co-patroned a bill to establish paid family and medical leave
- Co-patroned a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Voted to authorize offshore wind farm energy capacity
- Voted to expand renewable energy tax credits
- Voted to establish the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice

Health and Human Services
- Voted to establish the “Reproductive Health Protection Act”
- Voted in favor of a bill to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control
- Voted to repeal the abortion prohibition in Virginia health insurance plans
- Voted to require state health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives

Other Issues
- Voted to prohibit no-knock search warrants
- Voted to establish greater victim rights in court
- Co-sponsored a bill to establish Gun Free Zones in Capitol Square and public institutions of higher education
- Voted in favor of a bill to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of assault-style weapons

The Opposition

At the time of this writing, we were unable to find information on Republican candidate David Guill’s priorities or stances.

Recommendation

Due to his continued support for abortion access, gun violence prevention, and quality, affordable healthcare, Incumbent Democratic Delegate Dan Helmer is the progressive candidate in this race.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate David Bulova faces a challenge from Republican Adam Wise in HD-11.

Virginia’s House District 11 spans parts of Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax in Northern Virginia. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democrat David Bulova was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2005. He holds a B.A. from William and Mary, an M.A. in Public Administration and Policy from Virginia Tech, and is a graduate of the Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. Delegate Bulova is a project manager at WSP Environment and Infrastructure. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Brain Injury Services, the Board of the City of Fairfax Band, and the Board of Advisors for the William and Mary Public Policy Program. He and his wife live in Fairfax County with their three children. 
Committee Assignments: Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (Chesapeake Subcommittee Chair), Appropriations (Commerce Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee Chair), General Laws (Chair)

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
Delegate Bulova advocates for small class sizes and recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers and school staff. Key legislation:
- Co-sponsored a bill to raise teacher pay to the national average
- Co-sponsored a bill to establish gun-free zones at public schools
- Voted to increase protections and support against cyber-bullying
- Voted in favor of a bill to require schools to create transgender student-friendly policies
- Voted against a forced-outing bill targeting transgender students

Economy and Inflation
- Co-sponsored a bill to establish paid family and medical leave
- Co-sponsored a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Voted in favor of a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Voted to authorize offshore wind farm energy capacity
- Voted to expand renewable energy tax credits
- Voted to establish the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice

Health and Human Services
- Voted to establish the “Reproductive Health Protection Act”
- Voted in favor of a bill to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control
- Voted in favor of a bill to require state health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives
- Voted in favor of a bill to repeal the abortion prohibition in Virginia health insurance plans

Other Issues
Delegate Bulova consistently fights to protect the environment. He co-patroned the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act and introduced legislation to create the Virginia Solar Energy Development Authority. He supports investing in clean, renewable energy sources. Additional key legislation:
- Voted in favor of establishing regulations for AI
- Voted in favor of establishing the Internet Safety Advisory Council
- Co-sponsored a bill to establish Gun Free Zones in Capitol Square and public institutions of higher education
- Voted in favor of a bill to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of assault-style weapons

The Opposition

- Republican Adam Wise is a self-educated instructor who has worked in non-profit organizations. Wise considers universal healthcare as “socialist” and un-American. Wise believes there should be no new laws.
- Forward Party candidate, Brandon Givens, is an educator, originally from Arkansas. He and his wife chose to work internationally as a way to address their worries about gun violence. Givens advocates for expanding Medicaid to cover more Virginians. He pledges to fight to protect Medicaid funding levels and lobby Federal Lawmakers for Medicare for all. Givens lists “Electoral Reform” as a major priority. He wants Virginia to sign the interstate popular vote compact. If elected, he plans to introduce legislation for open primaries and ranked choice voting. He also wants discussion on multi-member districts. Priorities according to his website:
- Focus on quality of class time over quantity
- Submit legislation requiring 15 minutes of recess for every 45 minutes of instructional time in elementary schools.
- Submit legislation to reduce the number of state-mandated tests.
- Submit legislation protecting teacher planning time.

Recommendation

Due to his continued advocacy for quality public education, gun violence prevention, and clean, renewable energy, Incumbent Democratic Delegate David Bulova is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new 12th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With over 60,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Holly Seibold faces a challenge from Republican Nelson Figueroa-Veles in HD-12.

Virginia’s House District 12 spans portions of Fairfax County in Northern Virginia, covering suburban precincts and communities just outside the Capital Beltway. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democratic Delegate Holly Seibold was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2023, during a District 12 Special Election. She holds a B.A. in Communications, Law, Economics & Government from American University and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from George Washington University. After working in the nonprofit sector and public education, she launched a STEM educational firm and a nonprofit focused on access to menstrual supplies. She has volunteered and served on many local boards. She and her husband live in Vienna with their two children.
Committee Assignments: Communications, Technology and Innovation (Technology and Innovation Subcommittee Chair), General Laws, Public Safety

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
As a former teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools, Delegate Seibold fights for students and teachers. Key legislation:
- Voted to establish the Internet Safety Advisory Council, designed to protect students and teachers online
- Voted to increase protections and support against cyber-bullying
- Voted against a “forced-outing” bill, which targeted transgender students
- Co-patroned a bill to raise teacher pay to the national average
- Co-patroned  a bill to establish Gun Free Zones in Capitol Square and public institutions of higher education

Economy and Inflation
In addition to offering resources for embattled federal workers and contractors on her website, Delegate Seibold advocates for fair wages and better working conditions.
- Co-patroned a bill to increase minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Co-patroned a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Co-patroned a bill to establish paid family and medical leave

Health and Human Services
- Voted to require health insurance providers to cover birth control
- Voted to require state health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved forms of birth control
- Voted to prohibit the Board of Medicine from disciplining a doctor for performing legal abortion services
- Voted to establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Board 

Other Issues
- Co-patroned a bill to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of assault-style weapons
- Voted to legalize marijuana in Virginia
- Voted to establish regulations for AI
- Voted to authorize offshore wind farm energy capacity

The Opposition

At the time of this writing, we were unable to find information on Republican candidate Nelson Figueroa-Velez’s priorities or stances.

Recommendation

Due to her continued advocacy for quality public education, gun violence prevention, and workers' rights, Incumbent Democratic Delegate Holly Seibold is the progressive candidate in this race.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Marcus Simon faces a challenge from Republican Sylvia Olesky and Libertarian Dave Crance in HD-13.

Virginia’s House District 13 spans Falls Church City and adjacent portions of Fairfax County in Northern Virginia’s core suburban ring. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democratic Delegate Marcus Simon has served in the House of Delegates since 2014. He is an attorney with a B.A. from New York University and a J.D. from American University Washington Law School. He owns a local company dealing with real estate legal transactions. After his many years in the U.S. Army and reaching the rank of Captain, he served within the military legal system, handling officer misconduct cases and instances of civilian crimes on military installations. He is a lifelong resident of Fairfax County and currently resides there with his family.
Committee Assignments: Courts of Justice (Vice Chair; Civil Subcommittee Chair), General Laws (Housing/Consumer Protection Chair), Public Safety (Chair), Rules

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
- Co-patroned a bill to raise teacher pay to the national average
- Voted against “forced-outing” bill targeting transgender students
- Voted to increase protections and support against cyber-bullying
- Co-patroned a bill to establish gun-free zones at public schools

Economy and Inflation
- Voted in favor of a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Co-patroned a bill to establish paid family and medical leave
- Co-patroned a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Voted to authorize offshore wind farm energy capacity
- Voted to expand renewable energy tax credits
- Voted to establish the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice

Health and Human Services
- Voted in favor of establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
- Voted to prohibit the Board of Medicine from disciplining doctors for providing legal abortion services
- Voted to repeal the abortion prohibition in Virginia health insurance plans
- Voted in favor of a bill to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control
- Voted to require state health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved birth control

Other Issues
Delegate Simon has been a strong advocate for gun violence prevention. Key legislation:
- Sponsored a bill to prohibit ghost guns
- Co-patroned  a bill to establish Gun Free Zones in Capitol Square and public institutions of higher education
- Voted in favor of a bill to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of assault-style weapons

The Opposition

- At the time of this writing, we were unable to find information on Republican Sylvia Oleksy's priorities or stances.
- Libertarian Dave Crance is a regional manager in the hospitality industry. He serves as Chair of the ​​Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. If elected, he wants to cut funding to public services and programs, prioritize business interests over community needs, and protect individual freedoms like health care decisions. Crance’s focus on education is rooted in creating “educational competition”. He proposes removing students from public schools as a way to ease taxpayer burden. Additionally, he believes an increase in charter schools will incentivize competition. Crance hopes to introduce a “Taxpayers Bill of Rights” to limit taxes local and state governments can collect and spend. He also wants to eliminate the car tax and end taxation on military pensions. Crance is in favor of Defend Our Guard legislation, which prohibits National Guard units from being deployed in active combat without a formal declaration of war Congress. He also calls for term limits and increased ballot access for third party and independent candidates.

Recommendation

Due to his continued advocacy for quality, affordable healthcare, gun violence prevention, and workers' rights, Incumbent Democratic Delegate Marcus Simon is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new 14th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With over 53,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Vivian Watts faces a challenge from Republican Eric Johnson in HD-14.

Virginia’s House District 14 lies entirely within Fairfax County in Northern Virginia, encompassing suburban neighborhoods just outside the Capital Beltway. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democratic Delegate Vivian Watts is the longest serving woman in the Virginia House and has held the 39th District seat since 1996. A dedicated public servant, Watts’ career includes serving as the Virginia Secretary of Transportation and working at the U.S. Advisory for Intergovernmental Relations. She has received numerous accolades and awards for her service. She and her husband, Dave, have two children.
Committee Assignments: Courts of Justice (Criminal Subcommittee Chair), Finance (Chair), Rules, Transportation

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore felon voting rights
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
- Voted against a “forced-outing” bill, which targeted transgender students
- Introduced a bill clarifying that special needs schools are tax-exempt
- Voted to increase protections and support against cyber-bullying
- Voted to establish gun-free zones on School Board property

Economy and Inflation
- Co-patroned a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Co-patroned a bill to establish paid family and medical leave
- Co-patroned a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Advocates for wind and solar power and commits to carbon neutrality
- Commits to tax equity and wants to establish standards that benefit those with lower incomes

Health and Human Services
- Voted in favor of establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
- Patroned a bill to prohibit access to menstrual data through search warrants, subpoenas, or other court orders
- Voted in favor of a bill to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control
- Voted to require state health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives
- Voted to prohibit the Board of Medicine from disciplining a doctor for performing legal abortion services

Other Issues
- Voted to establish regulations for AI
- Voted to prohibit public carrying of assault-style weapons
- Voted to prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses
- Voted to legalize weed in Virginia

The Opposition

At the time of this writing, we found limited information on Republican candidate Eric Johnson's priorities and stances. Johnson wants to lower taxes, which would decrease services. He supports increased funding for police.

Recommendation

Due to her continued advocacy for quality, affordable healthcare, quality public education, and gun violence prevention, Incumbent Democratic Delegate Vivian Watts is the progressive candidate in this race.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Laura Jane Cohen faces a challenge from Republican Saundra Davis in HD-15.

Virginia’s House District 15 covers parts of Fairfax County west of the Capital Beltway, including the City of Fairfax and surrounding suburban precincts. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democratic Delegate Laura Jane Cohen was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2023. She holds a B.A. and masters coursework at University of Georgia, both with politics and government focuses. Originally from Georgia, she worked in a number of civic-facing roles including as a legislative assistant to the state’s lieutenant governor before moving to Virginia and joining Fairfax County Public Schools as a substitute teacher and school board member. She currently resides in Burke.
Committee Assignments: Counties, Cities and Towns, Education, Transportation

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
During her first term, Delegate Cohen helped pass improved resources and processes for students with disabilities as they move from high school to college. She also worked to empower librarians, make sure kids are taught accurate and reflective history, increase teacher & staff pay, address staffing shortages, and fund universal PreK & workforce development. 

Economy and Inflation
Delegate Cohen co-patroned bills to establish paid family and medical leave and repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees. She also voted in favor of a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027. 

Health and Human Services
Delegate Cohen vows to work to preserve Medicaid expansion, boost enrollment, lower surprise out-of-pocket costs, and increase access to and funding for mental health services and substance use disorder treatment. Key legislation:
- Voted to prohibit the Board of Medicine from disciplining a doctor for performing legal abortion services
- Voted in favor of a bill to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control
- Voted in favor of a bill to require state health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved birth control
- Voted in favor of establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board

Other Issues
- Voted to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and possession of assault-style weapons
- Voted in favor of a bill to establish Gun Free Zones in Capitol Square and public institutions of higher education
- Voted to establish regulations for AI
- Voted to legalize marijuana in Virginia

The Opposition

- Republican Saundra Davis is an elder care professional and parent of three who previously ran for Fairfax County School Board in 2023. She vows to “remove politics” from education and eliminate the car tax. She does not appear to support the Fundamental Right to Reproductive Freedom for all Virginians.
- Independent Joseph John Triolo withdrew from the race.

Recommendation

Due to her continued advocacy for quality, affordable healthcare, gun violence prevention, and quality public education, Incumbent Democratic Delegate Laura Jane Cohen is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new 16th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With almost 55,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Paul Krizek faces a challenge from Republican Richard Hayden and Independent Shelly Arnoldi in HD-16.

Virginia’s House District 16 lies entirely within Fairfax County in Northern Virginia, encompassing a suburban corridor from Mount Vernon through Newington to the Potomac shoreline. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democratic Delegate Paul Krizek has served in the House of Delegates since 2016. He serves as the executive director at a nonprofit, Christian Relief Services, a faith-based aid organization. He earned a B.A. degree from the University of Virginia and a law degree from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University. Krizek was born and raised in Mount Vernon, VA and his commitment to serving his community started early, including in constituent services for Congressman Jim Moran, leading an Indigenous youth nonprofit, and on the board of Mount Vernon at Home, which advocates for our seniors. He lives with his family Mount Vernon.
Committee Assignments: Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources, Appropriations (Transportation & Public Safety Subcommittee Chair), General Laws (ABC/Gaming Subcommittee Chair; Subcommittee #5 Chair), Privileges and Elections (Campaign Finance Subcommittee Chair)

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore felon voting rights
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
- Voted to raise teacher pay to the national average
- Voted against a “forced-outing” bill which targeted transgender students
- Voted to create transgender-student friendly policies for public schools
- Voted to increase protections and support against cyber-bullying
- Voted to establish gun-free zones on School Board property

Economy and Inflation
- Co-patroned a bill to establish paid family and medical leave
- Co-patroned a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Voted in favor of a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Introduced and passed a bill to ensure that no firefighter may be fired unjustly

Health and Human Services
- Co-sponsored a bill to authorize mental health experts to accompany police officers
- Voted in favor of establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
- Voted to require state health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved contraceptives
- Voted to prohibit the Board of Medicine from disciplining a doctor for performing legal abortion services

Other Issues
- Voted to establish regulations for AI
- Voted to prohibit public carrying of assault-style weapons
- Voted to prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses
- Voted to legalize weed in Virginia

The Opposition

- At the time of this writing, we were unable to find significant information on Republican candidate Richard Hayden's priorities or stances.
- At the time of this writing, we were unable to find significant information on Independent candidate Shelly Arnoldi's priorities or stances.

Recommendation

Due to his continued advocacy for quality, affordable healthcare, gun violence prevention, and and quality public schools, Incumbent Democratic Delegate Paul Krizek is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new 17th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With almost 60,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Mark Sickles faces a challenge from Republican Naomi Mesfin in HD-17.

Virginia’s House District 17 lies entirely within Fairfax County, spanning suburban neighborhoods just outside the Capital Beltway along the Leesburg Pike corridor, including Falls Church, Idylwood, and Seven Corners areas. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democratic Delegate Mark Sickles has served in the House of Delegates since 2004. Born in Arlington, he holds a B.S. in Forest Management from Clemson University and two master’s degrees in industrial management and Technology and Science Policy from Georgia Tech. Delegate Sickles is the second LGBTQ person to be elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.
Committee Assignments: Appropriations (Vice Chair; Health & Human Resources Subcommittee Chair), Health and Human Services (Chair), Privileges and Elections, Rules

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
- Voted to raise teacher pay to the national average 
- Voted to establish gun-free zones at public schools
- Voted against a “forced-outing” bill and another bill targeting transgender students who play sports
- Voted to increase protections and support against cyberbullying

Economy and Inflation
- Voted in favor of a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Co-patroned a bill to establish paid family and medical leave
- Co-patroned a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Voted to authorize offshore wind-farm energy capacity
- Voted to expand renewable energy tax credits

Health and Human Services
- Co-sponsored a bill to prohibit health insurance discrimination based on gender identity
- Voted in favor of bills to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control and require state health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved birth control

Other Issues
- Co-sponsored a bill to establish Gun Free Zones in Capitol Square and public institutions of higher education
- Voted in favor of a bill to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of assault-style weapons
- Voted to establish regulations for AI
- Voted to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and possession of assault-style weapons
- Voted to legalize weed in Virginia

The Opposition

As of this writing, we were unable to find information on Republican Naomi Mesfin's priorities or stances.

Recommendation

Due to his continued advocacy for marriage equality, gun violence prevention, and renewable energy, Incumbent Democratic Delegate Mark Sickles is the progressive candidate in this race.

Virginia’s new 18th District in the House of Delegates encompasses parts of Fairfax County. With almost 61,000 registered voters, this district leans strongly Democratic.

This election will be held on November 4, 2025. Incumbent Democratic Delegate Kathy Tran faces a challenge from Republican Ed McGovern in HD-18.

Virginia’s House District 18 lies entirely within Fairfax County, covering suburban communities in the western part of the county, including Centreville, Chantilly, and Fair Oaks. In the 2024 election Democratic presidential and senatorial nominees carried the district by comfortable double-digit margins.

Incumbent Democratic Delegate Tran was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2017 and is the Majority Caucus Chair. She was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the U.S. following the Vietnam War. Delegate Tran graduated from Duke University and obtained her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. She worked for 12 years at the U.S Department of Labor. She and her husband live in West Springfield with their five children. 
Committee Assignments: Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (Natural Resources Subcommittee Chair), Finance, Health and Human Services (Vice Chair; Social Services Subcommittee Chair), Rules

Constitutional Amendments
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine abortion rights in Virginia’s Constitution
- Co-sponsored a Constitutional Amendment to restore voting rights to returning citizens
- Co-sponsored a bill to enshrine equal marriage rights in Virginia’s Constitution

Education
Delegate Tran fights for increased investments in public schools, higher education, and student financial aid. Key legislation:
- Co-patroned a bill to raise teacher pay to the national average 
- Voted against a “forced-outing” bill, targeting transgender students 
- Voted to require transgender student-friendly policies in public schools
- Voted to increase protections and support against cyber-bullying

Economy and Inflation
Delegate Tran believes that all Virginians have a right to high-quality healthcare, affordable childcare, and good job opportunities. Key legislation:
- Chief patron of a bill to repeal prohibitions on collective bargaining for public employees
- Co-patroned a bill to establish paid family and medical leave 
- Voted in favor of a bill to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2027
- Voted to authorize offshore wind farm energy capacity

Health and Human Services
- Co-sponsored a bill to cap the cost of insulin at $50 for a 30-day supply
- Voted in favor of establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
- Voted to repeal the abortion prohibition in Virginia health insurance plans
- Voted in favor of a bill to establish the right to access and use FDA-approved birth control
- Voted to require state health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved birth control 

Other Issues
- Co-patroned a bill to establish Gun Free Zones in Capitol Square and public institutions of higher education
- Voted to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of assault-style weapons
- Voted to establish regulations for AI
- Voted to establish the Internet Safety Advisory Council
- Voted to prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses

The Opposition

Republican Ed McGovern is a retired federal employee originally from Philadelphia. McGovern holds degrees in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and Political Science from Shippensburg University. He pledges to prioritize “education over ideology,” but does not specify what that means. He hopes to bring more federal agencies to Fairfax County and wants to slash green energy mandates.McGovern does not support access to abortion.

Recommendation

Due to her continued advocacy for abortion access, quality public education, and workers' rights, Incumbent Democratic Delegate Kathy Tran is the progressive candidate in this race.