Young Virginia Voters Propel Democrats to Historic Victories, Flipping House and Protecting Senate

NextGen PAC mobilized thousands of young voters to elect progressive candidates, rejecting Republicans’ attempts to take total control of state government

Richmond, VA — Today, the country is witnessing the extraordinary results of a youth vote movement that has left an indelible mark on Virginia. Through tireless organizing efforts, NextGen PAC mobilized thousands of young people to secure a historic Democratic victory that not only flipped the Virginia House of Delegates but also preserved the state Senate.

During this election cycle, NextGen PAC initiated a groundbreaking outreach program, contacting over 688,000 eligible young voters across the state through innovative online events, texts, and calls. In doing so, NextGen PAC delivered a resounding rebuke to the agenda of Governor Youngkin and the MAGA GOP, ushering in a new era of progress and change.

NextGen PAC proudly announces the resounding success of Lashrecse Aird for State Senator SD-13, Schuyler VanValkenburg for State Senator SD-16, Aaron Rouse for State Senator SD-22, Danica Roem for State Senator SD-30, Russet Perry for State Senator SD-31, Michelle Maldonado for House of Delegates HD-20, Josh Thomas for House of Delegates HD-21, Amy Laufer for House of Delegates HD-55, Rodney Willett for House of Delegates HD-58, Joshua Cole for House of Delegates HD-65, Shelly Simonds for House of Delegates HD-70, Nadarius Clark for House of Delegates HD-84, Phil Hernandez for House of Delegates HD-94, and Michael Feggans for House of Delegates HD-97.

“Across Virginia, young people showed up to elect progressive candidates this election,” NextGen PAC President Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez said. “From abortion rights, to climate action, to voting rights, so much was at stake this cycle, but young voters turned out to fight for a future they believe in. The direction of this election was going to come down to a few critical races, and we mobilized to stop MAGA extremists from taking control of the Commonwealth. As we look to 2024, this is just the start of what young voters are able to accomplish when we use our collective power for progressive change.”

As Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration works to roll back Virginians’ basic freedoms from abortion access to voting rights, this election was critical in our fight to protect the future. Young people turned out to power Democrats down ballot to victory, all but ensuring that Youngkin’s entire extremist agenda is dead on arrival in the General Assembly. From the state legislature to national elections, young Virginians will continue to fight against extremist MAGA Republicans.

Leading up to 2024, NextGen PAC is determined to utilize this momentum and grow our youth-led movement for change. As the next major cycle approaches, NextGen PAC is focused on empowering young voters to fight for a better future, this includes endorsing progressive candidates and ballot measures, among other activities.

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About NextGen PAC

NextGen PAC’s mission is to empower young voters to engage in elections and ensure our government is responsive to the largest and most diverse generation in American history. We invite 18-to-35 year olds into our democracy to ensure our government works for them and to find new solutions to the dire challenges facing our country. NextGen PAC fights for a progressive future by growing and wielding the grassroots political power of young people on the ground and online.

Paid for by NextGen Climate Action Committee; nextgenpac.org; not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.