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NOVA PRIMARY'25
ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, JUN 17
Use the links below to navigate alone critcal voting resources in Northern Virginia
VOTING INFORMATION
COVERING NOVA DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES 2025
This resource was developed by a team of socialist artists, web developers, researchers, and political organizers through the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America. Our goal is to provide Northern Virginia voters and residents a guide to understanding who's running for local office in DC, who's behind them, and where they stand along a set of issues. REDBUG is a project 100% supported by volunteers and is intended as a resource for VA voters - this is not intended to advocate for specific candidates.
How should I use this guide?
How should I use this guide?
Browse through the different races, explore context, and take note of different answers. Note that there are more issues than those we track here. For those looking to vote strategically, take note of who has realistic levels of funding and who has endorsed given candidates. Consider: who is more likely to use their office to challenge the system and empower workers?
Candidates designated as "Progressive backed" must have the endorsement of at least 3 organizations we have designated as progressive. Candidates designated as "Labor backed" must have the endorsement of at least 3 labor unions, and must have 90% of identified labor endorsements in the race (note that we do not count the labor councils in our tally, nor do we consider police unions labor organizations).
Are the positions covered here the only ones that matter?
Absolutely not. There are many important issues to consider when voting for local office, and we only had the time to panel responses to issues covered here. Positions identified here - along with relevant endorsements and context provided - should give you a good understanding of how candidates orient towards other important issues.
How can I contest information that's displayed here?
You can submit contested positions or descriptions of candidates by emailing alexanderryarkosky@gmail.com. The editors of this site will do our best to respond to all credible submissions, and update text listed here in case a correction is warranted.
What are the issues?
Our socialists reviewed four issues relevant to socialists interested in voting in Virginia. These are not the only issues at matter, and some officials are more...clever about hiding their true orientation than others. But we tried to suss out where candidates were along these items. Here is the backing context for each of the four issues:
- position on police funding
Police funding is a yearly issue and one that intersects with our goal of police abolition. Distinguishing between candidates that support increasing funding, support maintaining funding, and support decreasing funding is important to figure out who will be an ally and who will be an obstacle as we continue to advocate for lower police funding while we work towards police abolition. This is relevant both locally and at the state level.
- positioning on tenants rights
Tenants in Virginia have little protection when it comes to renting, especially in comparison to neighboring DC and Maryland and NOVA is home to thousands of tenants. Any and all support for additional local tenant protections would go a long way to protecting some of our most vulnerable residents, who too often are stuck in buildings owned by slumlords with borderline unlivable conditions. Candidates must have explicitly stated a tangible tenant protection policy to be noted as pro-tenant protections.
- trans sanctuary
Transgender sanctuaries are any localities from a city, a county, or a state that vows to protect all transgender people within their jurisdiction. While Maryland and DC both became trans sanctuaries years ago, the only ones to exist in Virginia so far are in Alexandria City and Arlington County thanks to the tireless work our comrades in the Bodily Autonomy Working Group have done to push the local officials there to adopt these resolutions. Vowing to protect the trans community is the bare minimum that can be done to show a actual willingness to actively support them.
- cooperation with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
Counties and independent cities as well as Virginia statewide, all have the choice whether to have their sheriffs and police officers voluntarily cooperate with ICE or not when ICE wants to take custody of incarcerated individuals as soon as they are released. With a goal of abolishing ICE entirely, not voluntarily cooperating with ICE is the bare minimum anywhere can do to not assist ICE. Northern Virginia is home to a large and diverse immigrant population that does not need to be needlessly harassed and detained by ICE. We have only seen the cruelty from ICE worsen with the new Trump administration as they grab people off the street in daylight and have them sent to the worst prison in all of El Salvador without so much as a warning. From pro-Palestine supporters to arbitrarily picked US citizens to foreign tourists and more, ICE has become emboldened to act however they please without facing any repercussions. Candidates are only noted as anti-ICE cooperation if they explicitly pledge to not voluntarily collaborate with ICE at all.
Arlington County Board
(2 candidates)
Takis Karantonis
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
James Devita
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Current chair of Arlington County Board, taking over the role after Lib Garvey did not seek reelection last year. Until recently, he did not want to take any action that might draw attention from Trump and whipped the board to follow along.
WHERE THEY STAND
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Trans Sanctuary Legislation
Supported only after pressure from the community. Previously, avoided making changes out of fear of drawing attention from the Trump admin.
Tenant Protections
Views tenants and landlords as being equals. More focused on homeowners than renters.
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Police Funding
Supports increasing police funding and previously voted for increases.
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ICE Cooperation
Previously did not support measures to reduce ICE cooperation, but came around to ending voluntary cooperation after pressure from the community
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 43,630
(
45
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> NOVA Labor
> IBEW Local 26
> Arlington Education Association
> Bortherhood of Carpenters & Joiners
> LIUNA
> Moms Demand Action
> Sierra Club
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
A perennial candidate, known for running for county board last year and State Senate in 2022. This cycle, has raised money from less progressive backers from forces who disagree with the progressive direction of the board.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
Says he supports passage of the Equality Act but made no mention of state and local sanctuary laws.
Tenant Protections
Makes no mention of tenants. Proposes converting vacant office space to housing and providing subsidies for low income housing. Fervently opposes density increases.
Police Funding
Supports "filling vacancies" in police.
ICE Cooperation
Has made no mention of ICE, but wants to vaguely "create more opportunities for legal immigration."
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 52,520
(
55
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Everytown for Gun Safety
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
VA House District 001
(3 candidates)
Patrick Hope
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Arjoon Srikanth
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Sean Epstein
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Represented this district based in the very wealthy northern Arlington since 2010. Your average Virginia Democrat, with some progressive flavor. But if there is any group to love the status quo the most, it's wealthy white people and lucky for them, they see themselves in Patrick Hope.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
No mention of sanctuary protection, but committed to pushing for protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals in areas of healthcare, employment, education and housing.
Tenant Protections
Introduced HB86 which would protect the due process rights of tenants in eviction cases by requiring landlords to notices in collections lawsuits.
Police Funding
No mention of funding but proposed bill to reduce offenses for minor offenses. Supports eliminating solitary confinement, record expungement and other sentencing reforms.
ICE Cooperation
Little mention of immigrantion/ICE in his materials
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 319,761
(
72
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> NOVA AFL-CIO
> Arlington Education Association
> VA SEIU
> IAFF Local 2800
> Everytown for Gun Safety
> REPRO Rising VA
> Moms Demand Action
> VA League of Conservation Voters
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Former software engineer at Palantir. Main argument for running is a rejection of the status quo. Biggest vision for change is to the Dillon Rule to allow counties like Arlington to have the same home rule that cities like Alexandria already have.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
Called Trump's policies on trans schools issues "disgraceful," and emphasized the need to protect students and defend transparent and fair school policies for gender nonconforming students..."
Tenant Protections
No mention of tenants protections, but wants to ease restrictions on new housing development.
Police Funding
Supports increasing police funding, but says he also support mental health intervention & restoring felon voting rights.
ICE Cooperation
Condemned ICE raids and said he would disrupt federal abduction and harassment of immigrants.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 92,347
(
21
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Indian American Impact
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Cyber security professional for three decades. Views himself as a "common sense" voice to Richmond: Code for being a moderate ready and willing to compromise with Republican legislatures. Campaign has little vision with bare-bones platitudes.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
No mention on trans sanctuary positioning.
Tenant Protections
No mention of tenants in policy, but has stated housing failures stemming from a lack of focus on the "right priorities." Unclear if talking about building for the working class or homeowners.
Police Funding
No mention of police funding, but emphasizing support for gun control.
ICE Cooperation
No mention of ICE or immigration policy.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 34,045
(
7
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> No relevant endorsements.
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Attorney General
(2 candidates)
Jay Jones
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Shannon Taylor
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Current Representative for VA's 89th district, covering parts of Suffolk and Chesapeake. Previously worked at everyone's favorite bank, Goldman Sachs. Campaign touts experience as a former Assistant Attorney General.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
No mention of trans sanctuary.
Tenant Protections
Wants to go after corporate landlords
Police Funding
No mention of police funding, but wants "to allow police to do their jobs more safely and achieve better results targeting criminals."
ICE Cooperation
Believes the Trump Administration’s push to enlist local law enforcement in deportations as a misuse of resources.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 2,742,976
(
57
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> VA SEIU
> Unite Here!
> AFL-CIO Metal Trades
> Int'll Assoc of Ironworkers
> VA Machinist Council
> LiUNA!
> AFGE
> Moms Demand Action
> Clean VA
> Falls Church News-Press
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Henrico County's Commonwealth Attorney since 2012. Previously chosen not to prosecute former State Senator and pedophillic sex offender Joe Morrisey for multiple scandals. Her campaign also emphasizes her attempt to strike a balance between a tough on crime approach and a rehabilitation focused approach.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
Condemned AG Myares for "disparaging LGBTQ Virginians."
Tenant Protections
No mention of tenants or housing.
Police Funding
No mention of police funding.
ICE Cooperation
Criticized the Youngkin Administration's decision to deputize state police to conduct immigration enforcement in partnership with federal agencies.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 2,105,286
(
43
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Virginia Education Association
> SMART Union
> Moms Demand Action
> Emily's List
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
LT Governor
(6 candidates)
Alex Bastani
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Ghazala Hashmi
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Aaron Rouse
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Victor Salgado
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Levar Stoney
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Babur Lateef
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Socialist Backed
Worked as a federal worker for 34 years who has also worked as a lawyer. A union president for over 11 years, he supports ending right to work in Virginia. His campaign has a lot of progressive economic policies mentioned, but not much on social issues, focusing instead on material analysis.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
Explicitly includes trans Virginians in his fight for all. States bluntly that Republicans are scapegoating and dehumanizing trans people as scapegoats. "Pride isn’t about corporate logos, it’s about liberation, and that includes every letter in LGBTQ+"
Tenant Protections
Sees hedge funds like Blackstone as source of housing crisis. Supports banning corporate landlords from buying single-family homes. Supports rent stabilization laws and expanding eviction protections for tenants.
Police Funding
Has little mentioned about police funding.
ICE Cooperation
Believes ICE operates as a rogue paramilitary force. Supports cutting all cooperation between Virginia law enforcement and ICE and pushing back against federal overreach into our neighborhoods.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 276,157
(
4
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Gun Sense Voter
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Current State Senator representing Chesterfield County and part of Richmond. Already known for being one of the more progressive Democrats in the State Senate. Her campaign has managed to coalesce the support of most progressive organizations that have endorsed in this election.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
Sponsored Senate Bill 1098 which would block the extradition of health care providers facing criminal charges in other states for performing medical services that are legal in VA.
Tenant Protections
Wants to expand and protect tenant's rights. Supports rent stabilization, eviction diversion programs, low income housing tax credits (LIHTCs), dedicated affordable housing units.
Police Funding
Supports "increased crisis intervention training (CIT) and coordinated mental health responses", but no mention of police funding.
ICE Cooperation
Against 287g aggreements and against state and local funds being used for immigration enforcement.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 1,799,528
(
24
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Unite Here! Locals 23 & 25
> NASW VA Chapter
> New Virginia Majority
> Sierra Club
> Moms Demand Action
> Progressive Democrats
> Richmond for All
> Emily's List
> NOW VA Chapter
> Indian American Impact
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Best known for playing football in college at VT and in NFL, but became a State Senator in 2023, flipping Virginia Beach from Republican control. Campaign has focused on economic issues and supporting besieged federal workers.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
No mentions of trans sancturaries or making all of VA a trans sanctuary.
Tenant Protections
Supports tenat's protections and specifically has worked on legislation expanding renter protects.
Police Funding
Has made no mention of police at all during this campaign.
ICE Cooperation
No clear commentary on ICE
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 1,845,395
(
24
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> LiUNA
> EAS Carpenters
> USW Local 979
> Teamsters Join Council 83
> IAFF Local 2924
> State Building, Constr. Trades Council
> League of Conservation Voters
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
A former prosecutor for the DOJ who had victories against conservatives, including the infamous former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Focused on corruption and resigned after Trump won in 2024. Now wiorks as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown. Campaign pitches him as the person to take on corruption.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
Has mentioned protecting trans people, but has not directly mentioned trans sanctuaries.
Tenant Protections
No mention of tenant's protections. Only talks about rent and house prices being too high without clear attribution to cause.
Police Funding
No mention of police funding.
ICE Cooperation
Does not support police voluntarily cooperating with ICE.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 220,770
(
3
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> No significant endorsements.
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Long serving mayor of Richmond, infamous for his multiple failed attempts to bring a casino to the city. Was running for Governor, but switched after it became clear he had no path to victory; just one example that demonstrates his lack of coherent political vision beyond himself.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
No mention of trans sanctuaries or even trans people in his campaign pitches.
Tenant Protections
Yes. Passed Virginia's first Eviction Diversion Program in Richmond.
Police Funding
No mention of police funding.
ICE Cooperation
Does not support ICE cooperation. Stated he will protect all people regardless of immigration status.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 2,107,229
(
27
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Moms Demand Action
> Falls Church News Press
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Longtime member of Prince William County School Board, and currently the chair. Became famous for his anti-teacher stance, becoming an opponent of many unions. Works as an a ophthalmologist, but made it clear he isn't much of a doctor when he voted to reopen schools early during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appealing mostly to NOVA interests.
WHERE THEY STAND
Trans Sanctuary Legislation
Supported protection of trans students while on school board.
Tenant Protections
No mention of tenant and landlord protections. Focusing mainly on policies to support homebuyers.
Police Funding
Supported armed guards in schools while on school board.
ICE Cooperation
Vowed to protect students and staff from any interference on school property by ICE. "When you come after our children on ICE raids, we will see you in court.”
FUNDING
Total Raised
$ 1,344,728
(
18
% of total funds in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> No significant endorsements.
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]