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. Winnability is important but not essential. We ask for the cooperation and follow up of campaign managers.
We welcome and rely on candidate recommendations for endorsement from our members, chapter leaders, and supporters across the Commonwealth.
Virginia NOW PAC funding is limited and reserved for state candidates only.
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 candidate questionnaire. A recommendation from a Virginia NOW leader or member in the state and/or Congressional district expedites the process.
State candidates can apply to the Virginia NOW PAC for direct endorsement. To do so, candidates seeking our support should fill out, scan, and submit our candidate questionnaire 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 on a rolling basis. 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.
Typically, but not always, we refrain from endorsing:
- candidates during General Assembly sessions, and
- candidates in races where Virginia NOW allies are running against one another.
Local candidates are required to obtain support from a NOW leader in their city/county in order to receive an endorsement. No funding is allocated for city/county campaigns.
2023 State Candidate Questionnaire
Download (Word)
2024 Congressional Candidate Questionnaire
Download (Word)
