The Virginia legislative primaries are coming up on June 20—and the winners will be key to Democrats’ ability to hold the state Senate and retake control of the Assembly this November. During these next two weeks, we need to be focused on helping women come out on top in both Democratic and Toss Up districts to ultimately grow women’s representation.
State House candidates:
- Amy Laufer, HD-55: This is a Likely D pickup in the general. Amy’s male primary opponent has formerly described himself as opposing abortion rights. She is a former teacher who has consistently supported abortion rights.
- Susanna Gibson, HD-57: Susanna is running neck-and-neck in fundraising with her male primary opponent, and behind her potential general election opponent in this Toss Up district.
- Kimberly Pope Adams, HD-82: Kimberly is lagging her male primary opponent 3:1 in fundraising for this district that will be a Toss Up in the general election—and the well-funded Republican incumbent is running. Kimberly is endorsed by our partner, Elect Black Women PAC.
- Susan Hippen, HD-96: Susan is one of four Democrats (including an incumbent) in this crowded primary for a Lean D seat. Susan is also endorsed by our partner, Elect Black Women PAC.
State Senate candidates:
- Sally Hudson, SD-11: Sally is a current Delegate and public policy professor at UVA. Her primary opponent, Sen. Creigh Deeds, helped block a House-passed and Governor-supported bill to ban assault weapons. Residents of this Lean D deserve (and can do) better.
- Lashrecse Aird, SD-13: Lashrecse is a fully pro-choice former Delegate who sponsored successful criminal justice reform legislation. Incumbent Democratic Sen. Joe Morrissey is anti-choice, and was convicted of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old when he was in his 50s. Gross. Lashrecse is NARAL-endorsed and was also just endorsed by Rep. Jennifer McClellan. This district is also Lean D.
- Elizabeth Guzman, SD-29: Elizabeth was elected as a Delegate in 2016, but redistricting created a Democratic head-to-head in her Strong D House district. She’s challenging the male Senate incumbent in this Lean D Senate district to ensure her diverse community continues to be represented by a woman of color.
- Russet Perry, SD-31: Russet is outraising her male primary opponent, but will face a steep spending gap in this Toss Up general election race. Russet is a former CIA officer who has won the endorsement of her fellow former CIA officer, Rep. Abigail Spanberger.
- Heidi Drauschak, SD-35: Heidi is a former environmental lawyer and worked in the Obama White House. Her primary opponent, Sen. Dave Marsden, has been a frequent ally of Republicans. There’s no reason for this in a Strong D district.
- Stella Pekarsky, SD-36: Stella is a school board member who has defended trans students. Sen. George Barker was the only Senate Democrat to score less than 100% from NARAL during the 2016-2017 session. This is also a Strong D district.