Democratic candidates across Virginia are stepping into the spotlight this October as the state gears up for the General Election on Nov. 4.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) has unveiled its top 10 state legislative races to watch across the U.S., with five of these key elections taking place in Virginia. A win for the group’s Spotlight candidates could change the state’s political landscape by dismantling the GOP supermajority.
DLCC President Heather Williams said in a statement that there are “no off years” for the group, which is laser-focused on supporting strong Democratic candidates running in some of the most competitive races across the country.
“These candidates have strong roots in their communities and are talking to voters every day about how the GOP’s failing agenda is destroying economic opportunities and has even brought the government to a grinding halt,” Williams said. “Voters in New Jersey, Virginia, and across the country are already heading to the polls ready to hold Republicans accountable because they know who to blame.”
The DLCC is spotlighting Democrats in these key races.
Kimberly Pope Adams is running for the Virginia House of Delegates District 82, and has had a successful career as an accountant, serving as an auditor for the state of Virginia. Adams came close to flipping a seat last election cycle but missed a win by a mere 53 votes.
Adams’ campaign focuses on building safe communities, promoting education, advocating for reproductive rights, ensuring transparency and fostering good governance. She also wants to address food insecurity and food deserts, supports working families, provides rural broadband, and promotes economic development.
“As an Auditor, Accountant, Assistant Director, and Director, my job has always been to do the work and do it right,” Adams said. “That is part of what makes this campaign unique — we’re bringing a real accountant to do some auditing in Richmond!”
Jessica Anderson is running for Virginia House District 71. Democrats came close to a victory here in 2023 when the race was decided by only 700 votes. Anderson is now running to secure a win in the district that was won by former Vice President Kamala Harris by 2,400 votes.
“As a lifelong Virginian who has raised my family in the City of Williamsburg and New Kent and James City Counties, I know the struggles our community faces,” Anderson said on her campaign website. “I will work tirelessly to improve the lives of those living in the 71st District with thoughtful policy and common-sense solutions.”
Anderson’s campaign is focused on the economy, LGBTQ rights, affordable housing, reproductive rights, health care, education, gun safety and the environment.
Lily Franklin is the Democratic candidate for Virginia House District 41. She fell short of flipping a seat in 2023 by 200 votes and is now back on the ballot looking to disrupt the Republican majority. Her district is in the Blacksburg-area and includes all of Virginia Tech, and her campaign has been fueled by campus voters, according to the DLCC.
“Our communities are built on grit, hard work, and looking out for one another — but too many families are being pushed to the brink,” Franklin states on her campaign website. “No parent should have to work three jobs just to get by, missing out on the moments that make a family whole. Tucking your kids in at night should be a right, not a privilege.”
The former teacher’s campaign is focused on growing the economy in southwest Virginia, education, reproductive rights, affordable home ownership and clean drinking water.
Elizabeth Guzman is running for Virginia House District 22, previously representing the 31st District in the Virginia House for six years. Guzman is a former social worker and public administrator. She was the first Latina immigrant to serve in the state’s General Assembly, according to her campaign website.
Guzman flipped a Republican held seat in the 31st District and is looking to turn District 22 blue again and strengthen the Democratic majority. Her campaign is focused on providing for veterans and military members, bolstering safe and strong communities, education, transportation, protecting the environment and protecting pregnant women.
May Nivar is running for Virginia House District 57, one of the most competitive races to protect and expand the Democratic majority, according to the DLCC. Nivar grew up as a child of Chinese immigrants in low-income housing and became a business leader and advocate for underrepresented communities.
“With experience spanning small and large business, nonprofits, and government, I’ve stepped up to drive policy change,” Nivar states on her campaign website. “As Delegate for the 57th District, I will be your voice in the General Assembly. Together, we can build a Virginia where hard work is rewarded, opportunity is accessible, and the American Dream is within reach.”
Nivar’s priorities include investing into the economy and job paying jobs, fully funding public schools, protecting abortion access, expanding access to affordable health care, gun violence and keeping communities safe.
