With Virginia’s Primary Just Days Away, Virginia’s List Endorses 26 Pro-Choice Democratic Women in Key Races Across the Commonwealth

Alexandria, VA — With early voting already underway and the June 17 primary fast approaching, Virginia’s List today announced its endorsement of 26 pro-choice Democratic women running for office in critical House of Delegates and local races across the Commonwealth. This powerful slate features a mix of incumbents, challengers, and local leaders ready to take on MAGA extremism and protect reproductive freedom.

“Virginians will head to the polls in less than two weeks, and the stakes couldn’t be higher,” said Lateisha Garrett, Chair of Virginia’s List. “The candidates we’re endorsing today are frontline defenders of abortion rights, voting rights, and real economic opportunity. They’re running to protect our values and fight for a more just Virginia, and we need every voter to show up on June 17 to make sure they win.”

This year’s primary elections will determine who shapes the future of Virginia’s General Assembly and three statewide offices at a time when Republican leaders are doubling down on attacks against reproductive healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, and public education. Virginia’s List is mobilizing grassroots support and resources to ensure that bold, pro-choice women leaders are on the ballot this November.

The full list of endorsed candidates includes:

Local Champion:

• Sanu Dieng-Cooper, Newport News Treasurer

House of Delegates Challengers: 

• Makayla R. Venable, House of Delegates, District 36

• Melody "Mel" Cartwright, House of Delegates, District 48

• Risë Hayes, House of Delegates, District 52

• Angela T. Chainer, House of Delegates, District 56

• Sara Ratcliffe, House of Delegates, District 62

• Nicole Cole, House of Delegates, District 66

• Stacey Carroll, House of Delegates, District 64

• Leslie Mehta, House of Delegates, District 73

• Mary L. Person, House of Delegates, District 83

• Karen "Kacey" Robins Carnegie, House of Delegates, District 89

• Cheryl Bubeck Smith, House of Delegates, District 98

• Cat Porterfield, House of Delegates, District 99

House of Delegates Stalwarts:

• Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, House of Delegates, District 5

• Irene Shin, House of Delegates, District 8

• Holly Seibold, House of Delegates, District 12

• Laura Jane Cohen, House of Delegates, District 15

• Kathy Tran, House of Delegates, District 18

• Atoosa Reaser, House of Delegates, District 27

• Amy J. Laufer, House of Delegates, District 55

• Shelly Simonds, House of Delegates, District 70

• Debra D. Gardner, House of Delegates, District 76

• Rae Cousins, House of Delegates, District 79

• Marcia "Cia" Price, House of Delegates, District 85

• Bonita G. Anthony, House of Delegates, District 92

“We don’t have the luxury of waiting until November,” Garrett added. “If we want to protect abortion access and defeat far-right Republicans who want to drag Virginia backwards, we need voters to act now — to donate, to volunteer, and most importantly, to vote by June 17.”

Virginia’s List is deploying resources across the Commonwealth to boost turnout in competitive primary contests and ensure voters know what’s at stake.

For more information on endorsed candidates and how to get involved, visit www.virginiaslist.com.

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About Virginia’s List:

Virginia's List is Virginia's leading political action committee supporting pro-choice Democratic women up and down the ballot in non-federal races.Since our founding in 2015, we’ve helped move Virginia from 42nd to 21st in the nation for women’s representation in the state legislature. Virginia's List envisions a Commonwealth where women have an equal voice as decision-makers – in all elected offices.