Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia Endorses 108 Reproductive Rights Champions

With reproductive rights under attack across the country, the stakes have never been higher to ensure Virginia elects leaders who will protect abortion rights

[Richmond, Va] -- Today, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia released its updated list of endorsed candidates for the 2023 Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate election, bringing the total number of PPAV endorsed candidates to 108. The most recent endorsements are: 

State Senate:

Joel Griffin (SD-27)

Jason Ford (SD-28)

House of Delegates:

Karen Keys-Gamarra (HD-07)

Madelyn Rodriguez (HD-32)

Josh Blakely (HD-50)

Katrina Callsen (HD-54)

Keith Braxton (HD-60)

Larry Jackson (HD-61)

Jeremy Rodden (HD-90)

Statement from Han Jones, political director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia: 

“We’re excited to endorse this second round of pro-reproductive rights candidates. Many candidates are new nominees in their district or have just wrapped up primary races. This cadre of champions is committed to opposing any attempts to ban abortion in the Commonwealth and to enshrining reproductive freedom in our constitution. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia is proud to back them at this pivotal moment for abortion access and are excited to rally behind their bold leadership. We’re thrilled there are more champions and we hope voters will support these candidates in November. Abortion is on the ballot in 2023. We must not allow Virginia to be the final state in the South to pass an abortion ban.” 

In addition to elevating endorsed candidates, Planned Parenthood Virginia PAC will support endorsed candidates in key districts through paid communications and field efforts. Americans overwhelmingly support protecting access to abortion. A recent Washington Post-Schar School poll found that 75% of Virginians want abortion laws to be less strict or remain the same. This follows poll results from The Wason Center at Christopher Newport University in January that found that 72% of Virginians want our abortion laws to stay the same or be less restrictive. If an anti-abortion majority is gained in the State Senate and maintained in the House of Delegates, Virginia could see an abortion ban as early as next year. 

Dissatisfaction with current abortion laws and restrictions is at an all-time high.  Americans overwhelmingly support protecting access to abortion. A recent Washington Post-Schar School poll found that 75% of Virginians want abortion laws to be less strict or remain the same. This follows poll results from The Wason Center at Christopher Newport University in January that found that 72% of Virginians want our abortion laws to stay the same or be less restrictive.

To see the full list of endorsements, visit our website.

###

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia (PPAV) is a statewide advocacy organization whose mission is to preserve and broaden access to reproductive health care through legislation, public education, electoral activity and litigation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. PPAV works to ensure that individuals and families have the freedom, information, and ability to make their own informed reproductive choices.