Our Candidates

Abigail Spanberger is a dynamic public servant with roots in both local schools and global intelligence. Raised in Henrico County, she graduated from J.R. Tucker High School, earned her BA from the University of Virginia, and an MBA from Purdue University and GISMA in Germany.

Her public service story began at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, tackling money laundering and narcotics trafficking—often as the only woman on scene. Later, as a CIA Case Officer (2006–2014), she operated undercover to thwart terrorist threats and stop nuclear proliferation—talk about trading in your undercover cape for public office!

In 2018, Abigail leapt into politics and flipped Virginia’s 7th Congressional District for the first time in decades. She served in Congress from January 3, 2019 to January 3, 2025, building a reputation as one of the most bipartisan and effective lawmakers in the chamber. Her priorities included lowering drug prices, supporting veterans, protecting natural resources, and passing bipartisan police and agriculture reforms.

Now the Democratic nominee for Virginia Governor in 2025, Abigail is running to bring that same get-things-done spirit to Richmond—with bold goals to strengthen public schools, make Virginia more affordable, and keep communities safe.

She and her husband Adam are raising three daughters in public schools here in Virginia—firm proof that great governance starts at home (and at board game night).

Dr. Ghazala Firdous Hashmi is an Indian-born immigrant, educator, and trailblazing Virginia State Senator now on a historic run for Lieutenant Governor. Born in Hyderabad, she moved to Georgia at age four and went on to earn her BA in English from Georgia Southern University and a PhD in English from Emory University.

For nearly three decades, she shaped minds as a community college professor and administrator in Virginia—culminating in her role as Founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

In 2019, Dr. Hashmi flipped a longtime Republican-held seat by unseating State Senator Glen Sturtevant, becoming the first Muslim woman and first South Asian American to serve in the Virginia Senate. She was sworn in January 2020 and re-elected in 2023 with strong support from her district.

Her time in the Senate has been marked by bold legislative leadership—chairing the Education and Health Committee and pushing major bills to protect contraception access, safeguard Medicaid, expand educational and healthcare equity, and promote environmental and housing justice.

In June 2025, Dr. Hashmi made history again—becoming the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, and the first Muslim and Indian-American ever nominated for statewide office in the Commonwealth. Her campaign stands firm on fully funded public education, affordable healthcare, reproductive freedom, housing affordability, and inclusive representation.

She lives in Richmond with her husband Azhar Rafiq and their two daughters—a reminder that effective leadership starts at home, in classrooms, and in communities that deserve every opportunity.

Jay Jones is a lifelong Norfolk resident, attorney, father of two, and committed public servant running for Attorney General to fight for Virginia families and defend our shared values. Growing up grounded in service—his grandfather was a trailblazing civil rights lawyer, his father served in all three branches of state government, and his mother is a respected judge—Jay inherited a deep sense of justice, perseverance, and responsibility.

He has fought for the rights of everyday Virginians at every level. As Assistant Attorney General in D.C., he took on corporate price-gouging, slumlords, and special interests preying on consumers. As a Delegate in Richmond, he protected abortion rights, expanded Medicaid, gave teachers pay raises, and authored the “Ashanti Alert” legislation to bring attention and resources when adults go missing—a law now used nationwide.

Jay believes that democracy requires courage. He has led the charge against attempts to undermine voting rights, stood up for reproductive healthcare, and pushed for commonsense protections that keep us safe while defending our freedoms. Outside the courtroom and legislature, he’s a husband, father, and active member of his community. He studied at William & Mary for undergrad and earned his law degree from UVA. He lives in Norfolk with his wife Mavis and their two sons.

John Clark is a lifelong resident of Saltville and Rich Valley with more than 35 years of experience in local government management across Southwest Virginia. A proud graduate of Rich Valley High School (1974) and Virginia Tech (1978), he also pursued graduate work in Urban Affairs and Public Administration at Virginia Tech in 1979.

From 1996 to 2000, John served as Town Manager of Saltville, where he led major infrastructure and community development projects, including housing rehabilitation, zoning reform, and multimillion-dollar water and sewer improvements. His career also includes service as manager of Marion, Chilhowie, Independence, Tazewell, and Boone’s Mill.

John’s leadership and dedication have been recognized statewide. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia Senior Executive Institute (1993), a recipient of multiple Virginia Municipal League awards, and was honored with the prestigious Life Member Award from the Virginia Local Government Management Association in 2013.

Equally committed to community service, John currently serves as President of the Saltville–Rich Valley Lions Club and Senior Warden at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He has been a longtime supporter of the Museum of the Middle Appalachians, the Rich Valley Fair, the Smyth County Historical Society, and the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, he was appointed Chairman of the Smyth County Sesquicentennial Civil War Committee by the Board of Supervisors. He is also a proud member of the William King Masonic Lodge in Saltville.

John is deeply rooted in the Saltville and Rich Valley community. Raised on his family’s farm, he values hard work and service to others, a legacy instilled by his father, a farmer, and his mother, a longtime local teacher.

With a proven record of leadership, community involvement, and results-driven management, John Clark is ready to continue serving Saltville with dedication, vision, and integrity.