We’re excited to introduce Wave 2 of our 2025 endorsements—eight proven fighters and fresh voices who are ready to defend and expand Virginia’s blue firewall this November.
With just a single-seat advantage, every district is a tipping-point seat—and these races span the map of Virginia’s most pivotal battlegrounds.
They’re veterans, teachers, lawyers, small-business owners, and longtime community advocates. They’re running to lower costs, protect abortion access, strengthen public education, and build an economy that works for everyone. And they need our support to get across the finish line.
Meet the Candidates
Jessica Anderson – HD-71 (Challenger)
Jessica is a public school employee, mom of three, and community advocate who came within 2% of flipping this seat in 2023. She’s running to fully fund public education, make housing affordable, and protect reproductive freedom.
Kacey Carnegie – HD-89 (Open Seat)
Kacey is a Chesapeake native, attorney, and working mom with deep roots in the district. She’s focused on building a family-first economy, improving local infrastructure, and expanding access to safe, affordable housing.
Lindsey Dougherty – HD-75 (Challenger)
Lindsey Dougherty is a budget expert and mom of two children with chronic illnesses who is running to flip this Richmond-area district and bring affordable health care, better schools, and economic opportunity to working families.
Michelle Maldonado – HD-20 (Incumbent)
Michelle Maldonado is the first woman and person of color to represent her district. A small-business owner and tech leader, she is fighting for paid leave, health care access, and campaign finance reform. She’s one of the most effective voices in Richmond.
Leslie Mehta – HD-73 (Challenger)
Leslie Mehta is a civil rights attorney and former ACLU of Virginia legal director who is running to defend reproductive freedom, protect voting rights, and expand opportunity in Chesterfield County.
May Nivar – HD-57 (Challenger)
May is a business executive, longtime community advocate, and the daughter of Chinese immigrants. She’s running to become the first Chinese American in the General Assembly—and to make Virginia more affordable and inclusive for all.
Shelly Simonds – HD-70 (Incumbent)
Shelly is a former public school teacher and vice chair of the House Education Committee who is a trusted champion for stronger schools, clean energy, and maternal health care in Newport News.
Josh Thomas – HD-21 (Incumbent)
Josh is a Marine combat veteran who flipped this key seat in 2023. He’s fighting to protect abortion access, stand up for federal workers, and invest in housing that meets the needs of every Virginia family.
These eight contests—alongside our Wave 1 slate—form the core of Sister District’s 2025 strategy to defend every hard-won seat and flip seats within striking distance, setting the stage for state and federal victories in 2026.
How You Can Help
- Chip in: Every dollar goes directly to field programs that move votes.
- Volunteer: Phonebank, text, write postcards, or knock doors with teams across the country.
- Spread the word: Share this post and amplify these candidates on social media.
Together, we can keep Virginia moving forward—one district at a time.
➡️ Donate now to support the full Wave 2 slate.
Let’s get to work!
Sister District
Sister District works to turn states blue by winning state legislative elections.
