John,

Yesterday, we endorsed eight brilliant leaders running in some of the most competitive state house districts in Virginia — and Sister District is going all in to help them win.

Today, we want to tell you a little bit more about each one of them. The road to protecting our Democratic majority runs straight through these races, and your early grassroots support could make all the difference. 

But first, will you become a week-one donor by splitting a contribution to win these races? We set a goal to raise $10,000 to boost our new candidates before their major state fundraising deadline on Monday.

Let us introduce you to the eight champions we just endorsed and explain why these races are must-wins:

Jessica Anderson (HD-71) is a public school employee and mom who came within inches of flipping this seat in 2023. Now, Jessica is running again to fight for public education, health care, reproductive rights, and working families. She’s up against an opponent photographed with a convicted January 6 rioter and Proud Boy. 

Kacey Carnegie (HD-89) is a lawyer, Girl Scout troop leader, and lifelong Chesapeake resident running against a retired ICE agent. Kacey is stepping up to deliver real results for working families. 

Lindsey Dougherty (HD-75) knows firsthand how broken our health care system is — because she’s lived it. Lindsey is committed to health care affordability, enhancing public education, and supporting working families. She’s running to unseat an anti-choice Republican lawmaker. 

Michelle Maldonado (HD-20) made history as the first woman and person of color to represent her district, and she’s quickly become one of the most effective voices in the legislature. Her challenger is a right-wing extremist appointed to the Department of Defense by Donald Trump in 2019. 

Leslie Mehta (HD-73) is a civil rights attorney, health care advocate, and former ACLU legal director. Leslie is running to bring experience and empathy to Richmond and unseat an anti-choice, anti-LGBTQ state legislator. 

May Nivar (HD-57) was born to immigrant parents and raised in low-income housing. She is a community organizer and advocate for women’s rights and racial equality, running to unseat the least effective legislator in Virginia. If May flips this seat, she would be the first Chinese American elected to the legislature. 

Shelly Simonds (HD-70) is an educator who famously won her seat after a tie was broken by drawing a name from a bowl. She’s a leading voice for public education, increased teacher pay, and school infrastructure improvements. Her GOP opponent is a former Trump caucus captain who pushes a hard-line conservative agenda. 

Josh Thomas (HD-21) is a Marine veteran who flipped this seat in 2023. He’s fought for affordable housing, public safety, and maternal health care. Now he’s running to protect his seat from a Republican opponent who embraces debunked election fraud claims and supports making it harder for Virginians to vote. 

John, we’re so proud to back each one of these progressive candidates. If you’re as fired up as we are, please split a contribution between Sister District and our new wave of candidates before Monday’s fundraising deadline.

Thank you and more soon!

Sister District HQ

P.S. Democrats hold a razor-thin 51-49 majority in the House of Delegates, and every seat is up for grabs. That means each of these eight races really matters, and our candidates will only be able to win with your help. So please, split a contribution now. 

Paid for by Sister District Project. Authorized by Jessica Anderson for Virginia House of Delegates (candidate for HD 71), Carnegie for Delegate (candidate for HD 89), Dougherty for Delegate (candidate for HD 75), Friends of Michelle Maldonado (candidate for HD 20), Leslie Mehta for Delegate (candidate for HD 73), Friends of May Nivar (candidate for HD 57), Simonds for Delegate (candidate for HD 70), and Josh Thomas for Delegate (candidate for HD 21).