Help Us Finish 2025 Strong—And Start 2026 Ready
- Virginia's List
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
We made history in 2025. Now we need your help to do it again.
This year, Virginia shattered ceilings we've been pushing against for generations. Abigail Spanberger became our first woman governor. Ghazala Hashmi became our first Muslim woman elected to statewide office. And 31 Virginia's List-endorsed women won their races up and down the ballot—from the House of Delegates to local offices that rarely make headlines but shape our daily lives.
These victories didn't happen by accident. They happened because people like you invested early, believed in women's leadership, and refused to accept that Virginia wasn't ready for change.
But here's what we know about political change: it doesn't maintain itself. The momentum we built in 2025 will only carry into 2026 if we're prepared to fight for it.
Why Your Year-End Gift Matters Right Now
Special elections don't wait for convenient fundraising moments. The first ones have already been called, and we expect more in the new year. That means candidate recruitment is happening right now. Opposition research and early campaign infrastructure need to be in place before anyone else is paying attention.
Early money is smart money in politics. When we can support a candidate in the early stages of her campaign, we signal to other donors that she's viable. We help her build name recognition before her opponent has even announced. We give her the resources to run a strong campaign from day one instead of playing catch-up.
Your gift today—whether it's $25, $50, $100, or more—goes directly toward:
Encouraging women to run in special elections and 2026 races across Virginia
Supporting first-time candidates who don't have political experience or wealthy networks to fall back on
Providing early financial support that helps women compete and win
Building the infrastructure to protect reproductive rights and democratic values at every level of government
What's at Stake in 2026
With a new governor to swear in, a progressive agenda to pass in the General Assembly, and constitutional amendments on new Congressional districts and our right to abortion on the ballot, Republicans are already recruiting anti-choice candidates to make sure any pro
gress won’t last.
They're counting on us to celebrate our victories and then get complacent. To assume that electing a woman governor means the work is done.
But we know better. Real change happens when we build a pipeline of women leaders at every level—not just in the Governor's Mansion, but in Commonwealth's Attorney offices, on Boards of Supervisors, in Treasurer positions, and in the House of Delegates seats that will determine Virginia's future.
This year, we made our first-ever local endorsements. Women like Kecia Evans, Shannon Jones, and Sanu Dieng-Cooper won races that will directly impact their communities for years to come. That's the kind of leadership pipeline we're building—and it only works if we have the resources to support it.
The Choice Is Ours
We can start 2026 in one of two positions: ready or behind.
Ready means we've recruited strong candidates, provided early training and support, and built the infrastructure to win. Behind means we're scrambling to catch up while Republicans and their allies set the agenda.
Which future do you want to help build?
Before this year ends, we're asking you to invest in the Virginia we want to see. A Commonwealth where women have an equal voice in decision-making. Where reproductive freedom is protected. Where diverse leadership isn't historic—it's expected.
Your support makes that possible. Not someday. Right now.
Want to Make a Bigger Impact?
Consider becoming a monthly donor. When you set up a recurring gift of $10, $25, or $50 per month, you give us the reliable funding we need to plan long-term, support candidates consistently, and build a sustainable movement for women's leadership in Virginia.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Thank you for believing that women deserve an equal seat at every table where decisions are made. And thank you for investing in the future we're building together.
Let's close out 2025 strong—and start 2026 ready to make history again.
With gratitude,
The Virginia's List Team
