Richmond, Virginia — Today the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) and Equality Virginia PAC (EV PAC) announced their joint endorsement of 21 pro-equality champions running for the Virginia State Senate and the Virginia House of Delegates, eight of whom identify as LGBTQ+. In-person early voting in Virginia begins on September 22, 2023 and Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

In 2023, anti-equality lawmakers in Virginia introduced 12 anti-LGBTQ+ bills – the most in any single Virginia legislative session – making it critical now more than ever to elect pro-equality leaders who will advocate for all Virginians.

Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson released the following statement:

“The Human Rights Campaign is so excited to announce our endorsements of nearly two dozen pro-equality champions here in Virginia. All 21 one of these candidates, including several who are LGBTQ+, have proven their commitment to fighting for progress. And at a time when extremists are relentlessly trying to strip the LGBTQ+ community of our rights, we need leaders who are not afraid to be vocal and take action. In partnership with Equality Virginia PAC and our endorsed candidates, we are more than ready to kick off our voter mobilization campaign this Thursday.”

Equality Virginia PAC Executive Director Narissa Rahaman released the following statement:

“This year in Virginia, we had the most anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in a single legislative session. Time and time again, anti-equality lawmakers and the Youngkin administration have made it clear that they will continue to disrespect and disregard the lives and lived experience of LGBTQ+ people within Virginia. We must-elect pro-equality champions who will secure and strengthen our freedoms. We have that chance as the eyes of the nation are on us this November. The general assembly is a vital check on executive overreach, and that’s why it is so important for us to ensure both chambers are filled with pro-equality members. We’re grateful to the Human Rights Campaign for their steadfast support in Virginia and for helping activate key pro-equality voters across the commonwealth.”

Equality Virginia-Endorsed & HRC PAC-Endorsed Virginia Senate Candidates

Equality Virginia-Endorsed & HRC PAC-Endorsed Virginia House Candidates

HRC’s Commitment to Virginia

This latest round of endorsements continues HRC’s multi-year investment to mobilize the Commonwealth’s 1.5 million Equality Voters. In 2020, HRC’s long-term efforts in Virginia culminated in the passage of the landmark bipartisan Virginia Values Act, making Virginia the first state in the South to enact nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Equality Voters, including the more than 1.5 million in Virginia, are a voting bloc of demographically and geographically diverse Americans who are united by the advancement of LGBTQ+ equality. Equality Voters are younger, more racially diverse, and more female than the general electorate, they recognize and trust the HRC brand, and they are more likely to identify with issue-specific organizations than candidates or political parties. Across the country, HRC works every day to elect pro-equality leaders who support policies that will support the rights and lives of LGBTQ+ people.