From the DPVA Women’s Caucus:
Virginia Democrats Set the Pace for the Nation: VADEMS Women’s Caucus Announces First Slate of Endorsements
VADEMS Women’s Caucus Endorses More Than 50 Candidates – Women Leading the Way in 2025
RICHMOND, VA — This November, Virginia will do more than hold an election — it will lead.
As the first major statewide contest following the 2024 presidential election, Virginia’s 2025 results will send a powerful message about the direction of our country. The stakes are high, and the Commonwealth is once again poised to shape the national conversation.
Today, the Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus is turning up the volume — announcing our first slate of endorsed candidates: a powerhouse lineup of women who don’t just talk about change — they make it happen. From school boards to the Governor’s Mansion, these leaders are bold, brilliant, and unapologetically ready to lead.
Hala Ayala, Chair of the Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus said, “This is more than an election — it’s a defining moment. And we are ready! This year, the Caucus endorsed more than 50 women across the Commonwealth — and we’re putting our money where our mission is, investing thousands to help power their campaigns. These women are educators, organizers, entrepreneurs, veterans, and visionaries — each one bringing grit, grace, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve. They’re not waiting for permission. They’re stepping up, speaking out, and shaking up the status quo. “I’ve been the candidate. I’ve been the coach. Now I’m building the league. I want to continue to uplift women candidates and advocate for inclusive leadership where the next generation of leaders doesn’t just get a seat at the table—they build their own. And let’s be clear — we’re not just making history; we’re changing the game”
This cycle, the Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus received a record-breaking number of endorsement applications — and for the first time ever, opened endorsements to local candidates. From school boards to city treasurers, women are stepping into power at every level, and we’re here for it. This isn’t just about winning elections — it’s about building the bench, flipping the script, and making sure every community sees what leadership looks like when women lead.
This slate didn’t come together by chance. It’s the result of intentional strategy and strong partnership — especially with Speaker of the House Don Scott, whose leadership has been instrumental in building a Democratic bench that reflects the strength and diversity of Virginia. We’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with him in championing inclusive, pro-democracy voices across the Commonwealth.
These endorsements come at a pivotal moment. In 2025:
- Women hold just 30% of seats in Virginia’s General Assembly, slightly below the national average.
- As of the most recent session, 20 Black women serve in the Virginia General Assembly, representing a historic high and making up just over 14% of the legislature’s 140 members.
- Nationwide, women make up 32.4% of state legislators, and only 26 women serve in the U.S. Senate.
- The U.S. still ranks behind over 40 countries in gender parity in politics.
These numbers are more than statistics — they’re a call to action. And our candidates are answering that call with courage, clarity, and conviction. Each of these candidates embodies the core values of our movement: protecting reproductive freedom, advancing economic justice, strengthening public education, defending voting rights, expanding access to affordable housing, and ensuring equal opportunity for every Virginian.
Endorsed Candidates
Statewide Candidates:
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger
Senator Ghazala Hashmi
House of Delegates Candidates:
Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling – HD80
Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler – HD96
Delegate Debra Gardner – HD76
Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra – HD7
Delegate Amy Laufer – HD55
Delegate Delores McQuinn – HD81
Delegate Atoosa Reaser – HD27
Delegate Kathy Tran – HD18
Delegate Jeion Ward – HD87
Delegate Vivian Watts – HD14
Delegate Elizabeth Guzman – HD22
Kimberly Pope Adams – HD82
Jessica Anderson – HD71
Cheryl Bubeck Smith – HD98
Stacey Carroll – HD64
Karen “Kacey” Carnegie – HD89
Melody Cartwright – HD48
Angela Chainer – HD56
Nicole Cole – HD66
Jena Crisler – HD35
Lindsey Dougherty – HD75
Lily Franklin – HD41
Cindy Green – HD44
Risë Hayes – HD52
Donna Littlepage – HD40
May Nivar – HD57
Mary Person – HD83
Earnadette Powell-Farrar – HD50
Joy Powers – HD51
Cat Porterfield – HD99
Catherine Rec – HD33
Sara Ratcliffe – HD62
Liz Richardson – HD100
Makayla Venable – HD36
Elaine Walters – HD68
School Board Candidates:
School Board Member, April Moore Chandler – Loudoun County, Algonkian District
Eleanor Winter Schassberger – Roanoke County, Hollins District
Amanda Quillin – Chesapeake School Board
Wanda Blackwell – Stafford County School Board, Garrisonville District
Board of County Supervisors Candidates:
Honorable Maya Guy – Stafford County, Aquia District
Supervisor Dr. Pamela Yeung – Stafford County, Garrisonville District
Kecia Evans – Stafford County, Falmouth District
Commissioner of the Revenue Candidates:
Commissioner Brittany Flowers – Petersburg Commissioner of the Revenue
City Treasurer Candidates:
Treasurer Patricia Richie-Folks –Manassas City Treasurer
Corrie Kring – Chesapeake City Treasurer
Sanu Dieng-Cooper–Newport News Treasurer
Commonwealth Attorneys Candidates:
Commonwealth Attorney Narendra Pleas – City of Suffolk
Shannon Jones – Newport News
Suzanne Richmond – Virginia Beach
