The goal of the candidate questionnaire (and any ensuing interview) is to determine whether the candidate is a feminist, the depth of commitment to NOW’s issues, and whether the candidate will prove to be a valuable ally in the future through their actions and their votes. Winnability is important but not essential.
We ask for the cooperation and follow up of campaign managers.
We welcome and rely on our community leaders and members to make recommendations for candidates we should endorse.
Virginia NOW PAC funding is limited and reserved for state candidates only. Mobilizing our members and allies to vote and volunteer for the candidate is our in-kind contribution.
Congressional candidates can apply to secure the Virginia NOW Political Action Committee (PAC) recommendation to the national NOW PAC for endorsement by filling out the federal candidate questionnaire.
For Virginia state executive and General Assembly candidates: A recommendation from a Virginia NOW leader or member in the state and/or Congressional district expedites the process and improves the chance of support.
State candidates can apply to the Virginia NOW PAC for direct endorsement. To do so, candidates seeking our support should fill out, or print and scan, and submit our candidate questionnaire (see below) per the instructions at the top of the questionnaire. A phone call and/or personal interview with a PAC committee member or local NOW leader may follow. Applications are received and are decided upon as they come in. We stress that a recommendation from a Virginia NOW leader or member located in the candidate’s state senate or house district is strongly encouraged and may expedite the endorsement decision.
Virginia NOW PAC tends to endorse candidates with track records on our core issues and with the support of NOW leaders in Virginia. When there are multiple candidates in a single primary race who meet our qualifications, we will not endorse more than one. We will seek to get questionnaires from every primary competitor.
Our policy is to refrain from endorsing:
- candidates during General Assembly sessions, and
- candidates in races where Virginia NOW allies are running against one another and have equal qualifications as an equality champion.
- Local candidates unless one or more of our issues are at stake
2026 Congressional Candidate Questionnaire
Fill out the questionnaire online
Download the questionnaire (Word)
