Virginia LCV Announces Endorsement of Spanberger in Pivotal 2025 Governor’s Race

Written by

For Immediate Release:
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025

Media Contact:
Lee Francis | Chief Communications and Program Officer
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
434-989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

Endorsement is organization’s earliest in a General Election, reflecting high stakes of the 2025 campaign for a ‘Conservation Majority’

RICHMOND – The Virginia League of Conservation Voters has officially endorsed the campaign of Abigail Spanberger for Governor – the earliest such General Election endorsement for this office in the environmental organization’s 26-year history.

Virginia LCV’s Board of Directors made the endorsement based on Spanberger’s environmental vision for the Commonwealth and her strong record in Congress, where she voted to support the largest climate and clean energy investment in our nation’s history in the Inflation Reduction Act, and shepherded through a number of pro-environmental measures as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee’s Conservation Subcommittee.

“I am grateful for the work of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters to protect our children’s future and Virginia’s natural resources, and I’m honored to earn their endorsement to serve as the next Governor of Virginia. Every Virginian deserves access to clean air and water – no matter their Zip Code. As Governor, I look forward to working with all Virginians to preserve our beautiful Commonwealth and make sure Virginia’s economy continues to lead the way in creating clean, affordable energy,” said Abigail Spanberger, who is vying to be the 75th Governor of Virginia.

In addition to electing pro-environmental candidates to statewide office, a core component of Virginia LCV’s 2025 electoral work will be growing the Conservation Majority in the House of Delegates to ensure a policy-making trifecta that can drive forward the laws we need to safeguard our environment here in Virginia as these protections come under full attack at the federal level.

“Abigail Spanberger is the leader Virginians need – someone who will work with the House to secure a clean, healthy environment, protect our children’s future, and safeguard Virginians and their livelihoods. My caucus and I are ready to partner with her to deliver real results for our Commonwealth,” said House Speaker Don Scott. “Her opponent would take us backward – weakening environmental protections, making disaster recovery more difficult, driving up everyday costs. With Abigail Spanberger as governor, we will advance real solutions that make life better, safer, and more affordable for all Virginians and generations to come.”

A trifecta across the House, Senate and Executive Branch would be the first since the 2020 and 2021 legislative sessions, which ushered in hundreds of pro-environmental laws including the Virginia Clean Economy Act, a plan to reach 100% clean, affordable energy, and Virginia’s membership in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which brought millions of dollars to Virginia to protect communities from flooding and lower energy bills, while cutting power plant pollution.

“Progress has been elusive the past four years with a governor hell-bent on pleasing a radical base and his corporate polluter friends. Under a new ‘Conservation Majority’ we get to go back to work pushing forward popular policies that protect our environment and secure a clean and affordable energy future for all Virginians,” said Michael Town, Executive Director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. “We are all-in to elect Spanberger and return environmental champions to the House of Delegates – our future is on the ballot.”

About us:
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters serves as the political voice of the state’s conservation community, working to make sure Virginia’s elected officials recognize that our natural heritage is an environmental and economic treasure for all. Virginia LCV works with conservation leaders across Virginia and strives for a conservation majority in state government. We secure good public policies on the state level and hold public officials accountable for their positions on environmental issues. For more information, visit www.valcv.org.

###

Privacy Policy

Written by

This Privacy Policy describes how the Virginia League of Conservation Voters (“VALCV”) collects, uses, and shares information with respect to your use of their websites, including, by way of example only, the website located at https://www.valcv.org, as well as other websites owned and operated by VALCV that link to this Privacy Policy (collectively, the “Website”). Before you use or submit any information in connection with the Website, carefully review this Privacy Policy. By using the Website, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as outlined below. The terms “you” or “user” refer to all individuals and entities accessing the Website for any reason. The terms “us” or “we” refers to VALCV. 

Information We Collect

We collect information in three main ways: (1) information you choose to provide to us; (2) information we collect automatically through technology when you use the Website; and (3) information we collect from others.

Information You Provide to Us
We collect information about our users when users choose to provide that information to us. Examples of such information collection include, for example, when you sign up to receive emails from us, when you make a donation through the Website, when you purchase merchandise through the Website, when you sign up to take action through the Website, or when you otherwise communicate or interact with us through the Website. The kinds of information we may collect include your first and last name, your mailing address, your email address, your phone number, your credit card information, and any other information you provide to us in connection with your use of the Website. Sometimes you may provide the information to a trusted third party vendor on our behalf instead of directly to us, but that vendor is permitted to use your information only for the purpose for which it was provided or otherwise in accordance with applicable law.

Information that Is Passively and Automatically Collected
When you visit the Website, we may automatically receive and record information from your computer or mobile device. This information allows us to understand how people are navigating and using our Website, and how we can improve your experience based on the information we collect. The types of information we may collect include, by way of example only, your IP address, browser type, browser language, operating system, state or country from which you accessed the Website, software and hardware attributes (including device IDs), referring and exit pages and URLs, platform type, the number of clicks, files you download, pages viewed, the amount of time spent on particular pages, the date and time you used the Website, error logs and other similar information. From your IP address, we may be able to infer your general location (e.g., city and state or postal code).

We may use third-party analytics providers and technologies, such as cookies or tracking pixels, to help us collect the data described above. We use the term “cookie” in the broad sense to include all similar techniques and technologies. A cookie is a small text file that is placed on your computer or device when you visit a website that stores certain information about your website usage. For example, cookies enable us to recognize your computer; store your preferences and settings; enhance your user experience by delivering content specific to your interests; perform searches and analytics; and assist with security administrative functions.

You can change your settings to notify you when a cookie is being set or updated, or to block cookies altogether. If you disable cookies, some functionality of the Website may be impaired.

Information We Collect from Others
We may receive additional information about you from third parties and other sources, such as from public records, marketers, researchers, analysts, social network services, and other organizations. We use this information to supplement the information that we collect directly from you to derive your possible interests and to provide a more relevant experience for you and to improve the Website and our analytics and advertising.

How We Use Your Information

We may use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • For the purposes for which you provided the information, including:
    • To add you to our email or cell phone list;
    • To process donations you make through the Website;
    • To fulfill merchandise orders you make through the Website;
    • To provide you with information about taking action;
    • To distribute your comment or signature to the appropriate agency or official.
  • To maintain and improve the Website, including:
    • To provide the features and services available through the Website;
    • To improve the content and features of the Website or to develop new services;
    • To administer and troubleshoot the Website.
  • To communicate with you, including:
    • To send you information about your relationship with us;
    • To contact you with information that we believe may be of interest to you;
    • To contact you with fundraising solicitations;
    • To process and respond to your inquiries or to request your feedback.
  • For internal research and reporting.
  • For our business operations, including for security, fraud prevention, and legal compliance.
  • To comply with laws and regulations for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others.
  • For other purposes for which we seek your consent in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

If you provide us with your email address, we may add you to our email distribution list. If you wish to stop receiving emails from us, please email info@valcv.org or click the unsubscribe link in the footer of an email from us. Please note that opting out or unsubscribing will not prevent you from receiving communications that are not marketing in nature, such as important notices about changes to our terms and policies.

If you provide us with your mobile number, you consent to receiving calls and messages from VALCV. Message and data rates may apply. If you wish to stop receiving calls and messages from us, please text STOP in response to any text message you receive from us.

We may also aggregate or de-identify information we collect from you so that it is no longer linked to you or your computer or device, or we may collect information that is already in de-identified form. Our use and disclosure of aggregated or de-identified information is not subject to any restrictions under this Privacy Policy, and we may, in our sole discretion, use and disclose such information for any purpose, without limitation.

When We Disclose Your Information

We may disclose your information to or with third parties under the following circumstances:

  • With Consent. We may disclose your information with your consent.
  • To Service Providers. We may provide access to or disclose your information with select third parties that perform services for us to help us run our organization. These may include, for example, entities that provide data hosting and storage, help desk software and email services, security, research and analytics, and legal services. 
  • With our Affiliated Organizations.We may share your information amongst the VALCV family of organizations, including but not limited to, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Virginia League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, Virginia League of Conservation Voters PAC, and our affiliated national and state organizations.
  • With Collaborators and Other Select Entities. We may share your information with other organizations with whom we may collaborate. 
  • Protection of VALCV and Others. VALCV may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in a good faith belief that disclosure is permitted by this Privacy Policy or reasonably necessary or appropriate for any of the following reasons: 
    • to comply with legal process; 
    • to enforce this Policy, including investigation of potential violations thereof; 
    • to respond to your requests for customer service; and/or 
    • to protect the rights, property, or personal safety of VALCV, its agents and affiliates, users, and the public. This includes exchanging information with other companies and organizations for fraud protection, spam/malware prevention, and similar purposes.
  • Organizational Transfers. If we participate in a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or other transfer or reorganization of assets (including in contemplation thereof, e.g., due diligence), we may disclose your information because user information collected through the Website may be among the transferred assets. If any of VALCV’s assets are sold or transferred to a third party, information collected through the Website would likely be one of the transferred business assets.
  • Aggregated Data. We may share aggregated and de-identified information.

How We Protect Your Information

We have implemented administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect against the loss, misuse, and/or alteration of your information. These safeguards vary based on the sensitivity of the information that we collect and store. However, we cannot and do not guarantee that these measures will prevent every unauthorized attempt to access, use, or disclose your information because, despite our efforts, no Internet and/or other electronic transmissions can be completely secure.

Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data

The laws in some jurisdictions require that website operators tell you about the legal grounds they rely on to use or disclose your information. To the extent those laws apply, our legal grounds for processing your information are as follows:

  • Where use of your information is necessary to perform our obligations to you;
  • Where use of your information is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of others (for example, to provide security for our Website; to provide the services we provide through our Website; to defend our legal rights; to analyze the use of our Website; to improve our services);
  • Where we have a reason to process the information in accordance with applicable law;
  • Where we have your consent to engage in a particular type of processing activity. 

Online Analytics

We may use third-party web analytics services (such as those of Google Analytics) in connection with the Website to collect and analyze the information discussed above, and to engage in auditing, research, or reporting. The information (including your IP address) collected by various analytics technologies described in the “Information that Is Passively and Automatically Collected” section will be disclosed to or collected directly by these service providers, who use the information to evaluate your use of the Website, including by noting the third party website from which you arrive, analyzing usage trends, assisting with fraud prevention, and providing certain features to you. Information about how Google uses information collected from sites that use its services is located at https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites. To prevent Google Analytics from using your information for analytics, you may install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on here: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

Non-U.S. Visitors

The Website is not intended for individuals located outside of the U.S. If you are a non-U.S. resident, you acknowledge that our collection and processing of personal information is subject to United States law, and that any personal information you provide to us shall be processed in the United States, where the laws and regulations may not provide the same level of data protection rights as in the jurisdiction in which you are located.

Children’s Privacy

The Website is intended for general audiences and is not directed at children. If we become aware that we have collected information without legally valid parental consent from children under an age where such consent is required under applicable law, we will take reasonable steps to delete it as soon as possible. 

Third-Party Links and Websites

The Website may contain links to third-party websites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites. The collection, use and disclosure of your information will be subject to the privacy policies of those third-party websites, not this Privacy Policy. Therefore, we encourage our users to be aware when they leave our Website and to read the privacy policies of every site they visit that collects their information.     

Revisions to Privacy Policy

We will continue to review this Privacy Policy and we may make changes to the Policy from time to time. The date at the bottom of this page indicates the last time changes were made. You should check this page periodically for updates. If we make material changes to this Policy, we will provide you with notice as required by law. Your continued use of the Website will signify that you have read, understood, and accepted the terms of the updated Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us by emailing us at info@valcv.org.

Last Updated: 9/18/24

Virginia LCV announces expanded electoral program headed into campaign homestretch

Written by

$2.2M campaign invests heavily in paid field, communications to elect environmental leaders to the General Assembly

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023

Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

RICHMOND – Throughout October as we head into the final stretch of the 2023 elections, Virginia LCV’s Political Action Committee (VALCV-PAC) has expanded its on-the-ground field efforts as well as its paid communications programs in key swing districts that are critical to restoring a Conservation Majority at the legislature.

The stakes this year are incredibly high, and the organization’s $2.2 million electoral program this cycle is by far the most they’ve dedicated to General Assembly races – reaching levels typically seen during gubernatorial cycles.

“There’s a reason Big Oil groups like the American Petroleum Institute have gotten involved in this race – with an ally already in the Governor’s Mansion, they want to send extreme, MAGA Republicans to the General Assembly who will backslide on our clean energy future and put fossil fuel profits ahead of what’s best for Virginia,” said Michael Town, executive director of Virginia LCV. “This is why we’re leaving everything we have on the field to elect environmental champions this cycle – we refuse to go backwards on the vital safeguards we’ve passed in Virginia to address the climate crisis and protect clean air and water.”

Communications: Virginia LCV added two Northern Virginia-based House districts to its paid communications programs in October: Rob Banse (HD-30) and Travis Nembhard (HD-22). This brings the full program to eight districts where the organization is running digital content – two Senate Districts (SD-16 and SD-31), and six House Districts (HD-21, HD-22, HD-30, HD-65, HD-82 and HD-97).

With digital and mail combined, VALCV-PAC’s communications program invested more than $925,000 in the lead-up to Election Day. To-date, our mail program has reached more than 100,000 unique households and we are on track to garner 16 million impressions with digital ads across swing districts, urging voters to support pro-environment candidates and reject an extreme, MAGA agenda that would take our state backward on clean air and water.

Field: VALCV-PAC increased its investment in on-the-ground field work in October in two important Senate races: re-electing Senator Monty Mason in SD-24 and electing Russet Perry in SD-31. Ahead of the final weeks of the election cycle, we increased our existing canvass operation in SD-24 by $100,000, bringing our total field investment there to $685,000. We also invested $250,000 in SD-31 to support New Virginia Majority’s on-the-ground canvass operation, bringing our total investment in field work this cycle to $935,000.

In SD-24 alone,VALCV-PAC canvassers have already knocked on approximately 52,000 doors with a goal of exceeding 70,000 doors by Election Day. In SD-31, VALCV-PAC’s support of the canvass program has helped organizers knock nearly 14,000 doors, with a goal of 23,000 by Election Day.

About us:
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters serves as the political voice of the state’s conservation community, working to make sure Virginia’s elected officials recognize that our natural heritage is an environmental and economic treasure for all. Virginia LCV works with conservation leaders across Virginia and strives for a conservation majority in state government. We secure good public policies on the state level and hold public officials accountable for their positions on environmental issues. For more information, visit www.valcv.org.

###

Virginia LCV Announces Organization’s Largest Investment To-date in Legislative Races

Written by

For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023

Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

$2M campaign will help elect environmental leaders to the General Assembly

RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters announced that its Political Action Committee will be making the organization’s largest investment to-date in must-win legislative elections. Results in November will shape the trajectory of climate action and environmental protection through the next Gubernatorial and House of Delegates elections in 2025.

The $2 million, multi-faceted campaign will help elect environmental leaders to the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia who are committed to protecting clean air and water, building a clean energy economy, and working toward a clean energy future, while holding Governor Youngkin’s extreme, anti-environmental MAGA agenda at bay for the remainder of his term.

“We need strong environmental leadership now more than ever in Virginia, and we’re all-in to restore the Conservation Majority at the General Assembly,” said Michael Town, Executive Director of Virginia LCV. “Governor Youngkin and his extreme allies up and down the ticket have one thing in common: they want to dismantle the progress we’ve made in Virginia and put big polluters’ interests above what’s best for our Commonwealth. We refuse to let that happen, which is why we’re mounting our largest legislative electoral campaign to-date to send environmental leaders to Richmond.”

Paid Communications: Virginia LCV-PAC is making deep investments in layered mail and digital programs in the following Senate and House Districts, with the possibility of expanding this program further as we near Election Day: Schuyler VanValkenburg, SD-16; Russet Perry, SD-31; Josh Thomas, HD-21; Joshua Cole, HD-52; Kimberly Pope Adams, HD-82; and Michael Feggans, HD-97.

Paid Field: Virginia LCV-PAC, working with the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, is running a large $585,000 relational organizing and canvass program to help re-elect Monty Mason to the Virginia Senate in his new district, SD-24, which includes Newport News, and parts of Williamsburg, York County and Poquoson. The 19 canvassers on the ground plan to knock 57,000 doors in the district, engaging voters in one of the important districts vital to maintaining an environmental firewall in the State Senate.

GreenRoots: VALCV PAC will run its on-the-ground voter mobilization in key battleground districts in Virginia Beach and metro Richmond, adding organizing capacity for the campaigns of Aaron Rouse, SD-22; Schuyler VanValkenburg, SD-16; Michael Feggans, HD-97; Rodney Willet, HD-58; and Kimberly Pope Adams, HD-82.

About us:
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters serves as the political voice of the state’s conservation community, working to make sure Virginia’s elected officials recognize that our natural heritage is an environmental and economic treasure for all. Virginia LCV works with conservation leaders across Virginia and strives for a conservation majority in state government. We secure good public policies on the state level and hold public officials accountable for their positions on environmental issues. For more information, visit www.valcv.org.

###

Virginia LCV announces 2023 legislative endorsements ahead of pivotal fall elections

Written by

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023

Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

Slate of candidates commit to bold, climate action and putting environmental protection first

RICHMOND – This fall, all 140 seats in the General Assembly will be on the ballot in pivotal elections that will determine whether Governor Youngkin’s regressive, MAGA agenda moves forward with allies at the legislature committed to rolling back generational progress on climate action, or if his attacks on our Virginians’ clean air and water will continue to run into a Brick Wall.

As an organization with a goal of securing a Conservation Majority, Virginia LCV is working hard to elect environmental champions to the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia. To-date, Virginia LCV has endorsed 57 candidates ahead of this year’s legislative elections who, like most Virginians, are all committed to our vision of a Virginia where all communities enjoy clean air and water, open space, a liveable climate, and a democracy that works for all Virginians.

“Governor Youngkin’s extreme MAGA agenda would set Virginia back decades in the fight for a liveable future. When Youngkin wants to keep our state tied to harmful fossil fuels, roll back our state’s best tools to address climate change amidst record heat, and let polluters off the hook, we’re backing candidates for the General Assembly who are committed to taking serious climate action, putting our environment first and standing up for the Virginia communities that are on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” said Michael Town, executive director of Virginia LCV.

To earn a Virginia LCV endorsement, candidates must complete a candidate questionnaire; new candidates with no voting history also go through an interview process with staff and the organization’s board of directors, who ultimately vote on all candidate endorsements. It should be noted despite our outreach to their campaigns, no Republican candidates opted to complete our questionnaire or go through our endorsement process.

The following candidates have completed this process and received Virginia LCV’s endorsement so far in the 2023 election cycle:

House of Delegates
Kimberly Pope Adams (D) – District 82
Rob Banse (D) – District 30
Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D) – District 5
David Bulova (D) – District 11
Betsy Carr (D) – District 78
Nadarius Clark (D) – District 84
Laura Jane Cohen (D) – District 16
Joshua Cole (D) – District 65
Karrie Delaney (D) – District 9
Michael Feggans (D) – District 97
Lily Franklin (D) – District 41
Debra Gardner (D) – District 76
Susanna Gibson (D) – District 57
Dan Helmer (D) – District 10
Phil Hernandez (D) – District 94
Charniele Herring (D) – District 4
Patrick Hope (D) – District 1
Karen Jenkins (D) – District 89
Karen Keys-Gamarra – District 7
Amy Laufer (D) – District 55
Candi Mundon King (D) – District 23
Paul Krizek (D) – District 16
Alfonso Lopez (D) – District 3
Michelle Maldonado (D) – District 20
Marty Martinez (D) – District 29
Adele McClure (D) – District 2
Travis Nembhard (D) – District 22
Sam Rasoul (D) – District 38
Don Scott (D) – District 88
Briana Sewell (D) – District 25
Marcus Simon (D) – District 13
Shelly Simonds (D) – District 70
Irene Shin (D) – District 8
Rip Sullivan (D) – District 6
Josh Thomas (D) – District 21
Luke Torian (D) – District 24
Kathy Tran (D) – District 18
Vivian Watts (D) – District 14
Rodney Willett (D) – District 58

Senate of Virginia
Jennifer Boysko (D) – District 6
Creigh Deeds (D) – District 11
Adam Ebbin (D) – District 39
Barbara Favola (D) – District 40
Angelia Williams Graves (D) – District 21
Joel Griffin (D) – District 27
Ghazala Hashmi (D) – District 15
Clint Jenkins (D) – District 17
Mamie Locke (D) – District 23
Dave Marsden (D) – District 35
Monty Mason (D) – District 24
Jeremy McPike (D) – District 29
Stella Pekarsky (D) – District 36
Russet Perry (D) – District 31
Danica Roem (D) – District 30
Aaron Rouse (D) – District 22
Scott Surovell (D) – District 38
Schuyler VanValkenburg (D) – District 16

 

About us:
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters serves as the political voice of the state’s conservation community, working to make sure Virginia’s elected officials recognize that our natural heritage is an environmental and economic treasure for all. Virginia LCV works with conservation leaders across Virginia and strives for a conservation majority in state government. We secure good public policies on the state level and hold public officials accountable for their positions on environmental issues. For more information, visit www.valcv.org.

VIRGINIA LCV BACKS SHIPPEE FOR DELEGATE

Written by

For Immediate Release:
Thursday, May 18, 2023

Media contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

Environmental group notes candidate’s ongoing leadership on conservation issues in making pre-primary endorsement

RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters officially endorsed the election bid of Bob Shippee for House District 57, ahead of must-win elections this fall for the future of environmental protections in Virginia. Shippee’s endorsement comes ahead of the June Democratic primary and is among Virginia LCV’s first endorsements of the 2023 cycle.

“Bob Shippee is one of the most well-regarded environmentalists working for a better Virginia in the General Assembly, and has played a key role in securing cleaner air and water, and a safe and healthy environment for all Virginians. We endorsed Bob’s candidacy because we know that, as a delegate, he’ll make environmental protection his top priority at a time when we need environmental leadership more than ever,” said Michael Town, executive director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters.

“I’ve spent years fighting for clean energy and environmental protection, and receiving this endorsement from such a highly-respected conservation organization is truly humbling,” said Bob Shippee, candidate for House District 57. “The Virginia League of Conservation Voters has been a powerful force in advancing environmental and climate solutions in the legislature, and I’ll be a proud partner with them as we build on those successes.”

With all 140 seats on the ballot in newly drawn legislative districts, the 2023 elections for the General Assembly will determine whether Governor Youngkin will be able to push forward his attacks on climate action and environment protection during the second half of his term.

Virginia LCV will be working hard this cycle to regain a bicameral “Conservation Majority” at the legislature committed to blocking Youngkin’s regressive vision for Virginia and protecting clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment for all Virginians.

About us:
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters serves as the political voice of the state’s conservation community, working to make sure Virginia’s elected officials recognize that our natural heritage is an environmental and economic treasure for all. Virginia LCV works with conservation leaders across Virginia and strives for a conservation majority in state government. We secure good public policies on the state level and hold public officials accountable for their positions on environmental issues. For more information, visit www.valcv.org.

###

VIRGINIA LCV BACKS SUDDERTH FOR DELEGATE

Written by

For Immediate Release:
Thursday, May 18, 2023

Media contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

Environmental group emphasizes candidate’s commitment to conservation issues in making key endorsement

RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters officially endorsed the election bid of Kim Sudderth for House District 92, ahead of must-win elections this fall for the future of environmental protections in Virginia. Sudderth’s endorsement comes ahead of the June Democratic primary and is among Virginia LCV’s first endorsements of the 2023 cycle.

“Kim Sudderth is a dedicated environmentalist and community leader. We can think of no one better to protect frontline communities like Norfolk and Chesapeake in the House of Delegates, bringing their voice to the fight at a time when we need to be doing everything we can as a Commonwealth to cut harmful pollution, address climate change, and secure a liveable future for the next generation,” said Michael Town, executive director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters.

“I am humbled to receive the endorsement of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters. They have been an indispensable partner to me in the work I have done for our communities,” said Kim Sudderth, candidate for House District 92. “I look forward to working alongside them at the General Assembly to protect the places where Virginians live, work, learn and pray.”

With all 140 seats on the ballot in newly drawn legislative districts, the 2023 elections for the General Assembly will determine whether Governor Youngkin will be able to push forward his attacks on climate action and environment protection during the second half of his term.

Virginia LCV will be working hard this cycle to regain a bicameral “Conservation Majority” at the legislature committed to blocking Youngkin’s regressive vision for Virginia and protecting clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment for all Virginians.

About us:
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters serves as the political voice of the state’s conservation community, working to make sure Virginia’s elected officials recognize that our natural heritage is an environmental and economic treasure for all. Virginia LCV works with conservation leaders across Virginia and strives for a conservation majority in state government. We secure good public policies on the state level and hold public officials accountable for their positions on environmental issues. For more information, visit www.valcv.org.

###

VALCV-PAC issues recap of 2021 Electoral Efforts

Written by

For Immediate Release:
Monday, Nov. 1, 2021

Media contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

In 2017, and again in 2019, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters Political Action Committee invested heavily in reaching voters with a pro-environment message and securing Virginia’s first Conservation Majority. The past two years ushered in unprecedented progress for clean air and water, climate action and a clean and healthy environment, and 2021 saw us in the very new position of working to defend our friendly majority in the House, while re-electing champions to statewide office.

VALCV-PAC was again a key player this cycle, spending $2.4 million to elect Terry McAuliffe as Governor, Hala Ayala as Lieutenant Governor, and Mark Herring as Attorney General, and to maintain a pro-climate action majority in the 55-45 Democrat-controlled House of Delegates. Additionally, fundraising efforts through GiveGreen raised more than $222,000 to support environmental champions running for statewide and legislative offices.

As the first competitive Governor’s race since the defeat of Donald Trump in 2020 – and the first in a post-Trump electorate – the closely watched Virginia Gubernatorial Race ended up being the most expensive race in Virginia’s history, with both candidates tied heading to Election Day and a number of battleground House races that are still incredibly close.

We still have a final sprint before polls close on Tuesday night, but one thing is clear: Virginia’s environmental community has stepped up in a huge way to ensure that our elected leaders hear the priorities of people across the Commonwealth who want to preserve our natural resources for decades to come. See below for an overview of Virginia LCV PAC’s 2021 efforts.

$2.4 million Invested in Gubernatorial, House Races
VALCV-PAC invested $2.4 million to help elect McAuliffe and to protect Virginia’s first- ever Conservation Majority. These investments funded many strategic efforts including partnerships with organizations doing strong field work including New Virginia Majority and BlackPAC; VALCV-PAC’s own robust, multi-district mail and digital communications program in several battleground House of Delegate races; and a joint paid media effort with the McAuliffe campaign and the Democratic Governors Association, including a TV ad buy in the DC/NOVA, Richmond and Hampton Roads media markets, and a statewide digital buy.

Programmatic investments in the 2021 race from VALCV-PAC this cycle include:

  • Mail: $188,000 to run targeted mail programs in three House districts: HD-10 (Gooditis), HD-28 (Cole), and HD-83 (Guy).
  • Digital: $320,000 to run digital programs in ten battleground House Districts: HD-10 (Gooditis), HD-21 (Convirs-Fowler), HD-27 (Gardner), HD-28 (Cole), HD-63 (Aird), HD-73 (Willett), HD-75 (Tyler), HD-83 (Guy), HD-85 (Askew) and Helmer (HD-40).
  • Partnerships: $800,000 to support field canvass and communications programs being run by our partners at BlackPAC and New Virginia Majority.
  • GreenRoots: $100,000 GreenRoots program with 6 organizers on the ground supporting the coordinated field programs to  work in five target House districts: HD-27 (Gardner), HD-73 (Willett), HD-83 (Guy), HD-85 (Askew) and HD-91 (Mugler).
  • Field: $190,000 to add field and get-out-the-vote capacity for the coordinated campaign in the final weeks of the election.
  • Direct Contributions: Over $700,000 in direct contributions to the McAuliffe campaign and House candidates.

Environmental Messaging Rose to the Top
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters-PAC, the Democratic Governors Association, and the McAuliffe campaign announced joint efforts to reach Virginia voters with targeted television and digital ads regarding climate in the final week of the 2021 race. The digital ads, running on Facebook, Google, Hulu, Roku, MiQ and Youtube, were set to deliver through Election Day, as were television ads in the Washington D.C., Richmond, and Hampton Roads media markets.

These include:

  • “For,” highlighting McAuliffe’s science-grounded plans to address climate change and create clean energy jobs.
  • “Sounds Like,” showcasing Glenn Youngkin’s total embrace of Donald Trump’s divisive agenda including pushing conspiracy theories about climate.

Mail: 
VALCV-PAC’s six-flight mail programs reached an estimated 13,000-14,000 voters per district across the important battlegrounds of HD-10 (Gooditis), HD-28 (Cole), and HD-83 (Guy). Our mail program went to both persuasion and mobilization universes. Messaging varied from district to district but hit on several consistent themes known to resonate with our target audience and which show the clear separation between the candidates in these races on the environment.

  • Corporate Polluters: Our mail emphasized our incumbents’ records holding corporate polluters accountable, and, when appropriate, highlighted their opponents’ funding from or ties to corporate polluters.
  • Trusting Science: With COVID top-of-mind for all Virginians, our program drew parallels between candidates’ anti-mask, anti-vaccine stances and their unwillingness to follow the science as it pertains to climate action and environmental protection.
  • Trump: Trump remains immensely unpopular in Virginia, and was a big motivating factor for voters in 2017 and 2019. In a post-Trump electorate, our mail pieces incorporated Trump in an effort to remind voters of Trump’s extreme, anti-science, anti-climate agenda and the striking similarities to our opponents in these races.
  • Delivering: In each of these races, we emphasized our endorsed candidates’ strong records taking climate action, creating clean energy jobs, protecting their constituents’ health, and safeguarding clean air and water.

Digital:
VALCV-PAC’s 10-district digital program targeted voters in HD-10 (Gooditis), HD-21 (Convirs-Fowler), HD-27 (Gardner), HD-28 (Cole), HD-63 (Aird), HD-73 (Willett), HD-75 (Tyler), HD-83 (Guy), HD-85 (Askew) and Helmer (HD-40). Our ads were all video formats, hosted across a number of digital platforms to include Facebook, Instagram, and video pre-roll. As with our mail program, our messaging varied from district to district but touched on the above frames.

Impressions

6,301,959

Clicks

19,555

Views

4,228,640

Avg. Completion Rate

79.4%

 

Press Coverage:
Richmond Times-Dispatch (9/16/21)
Millions pour into Virginia race for governor; Youngkin’s wealth helps him outraise McAuliffe in latest period

Augusta Free Press (9/16/21)
Poll shows climate, clean energy are mobilizing issues in 2021 governor’s race

AP (9/24/21)
Pressure rising for Democrats in Virginia governor’s race

Augusta Free Press (10/7/21)
Virginia LCV PAC announces 2021 campaign ramp-up

Patch (10/7/21)
Candidate profile: Elizabeth Bennett-Parker

Roanoke Times (10/10/21)
Gubernatorial candidates comment, or choose not to, on Mountain Valley Pipeline

E&E News (10/12/21)
Dems look to capitalize on Va. Republican’s climate comments (paywalled)

Loudoun Now (10/18/21)
Letter: Bill Replogle, Leesburg

The Hill (10/26/21)
McAuliffe, Democratic groups launch climate ad blitz in Virginia a week out from election

E&E News (10/26/21)
McAuliffe, allies deploy climate ads as Va. race nears end (paywalled)

Free Lance-Star (10/27/21)
LTE: Del. Cole is an environmental champion

Virginia Scope (10/28/21)
McAuliffe & Democratic groups launch a joint media effort mostly focusing on climate change in Virginia

Connection Newspapers (10/28/21)
Virginia at a Crossroads: Voters to determine direction of state government.

Voter Mobilization Efforts
In addition to running a robust, strategic paid communications program, VALCV-PAC’s electoral efforts also focused on speaking directly to voters, mobilizing volunteers to help get out the vote across important battleground districts, and helping our statewide candidates reach and mobilize voters in the final push toward election day.

GreenRoots
Through our GreenRoots program, VALCV-PAC embedded six organizers into five important House campaigns across Metro-Richmond and Hampton Roads: HD-27 (Gardner), HD-73 (Willett), HD-83 (Guy), HD-85 (Askew) and HD-91 (Mugler).

Voter Contact Shifts Recruited

289

One-on-One Meetings w/ Volunteers

129

Recruitment Calls Made

10,497

Contacts Over the Phone

1,124

VoteForward Letters

1,425

Additional Field Efforts
VALCV-PAC also invested $190,000 in coordinated field efforts. These funds went towards 12 field staff in Richmond and Hampton Roads and 12 full time callers for the final weeks of the campaign with the capacity to make just over 100,000 dials. Additionally, VALCV-PAC has 108 organizers around the country spending 16 hours over two days calling voters during GOTV, totaling just over another 100,000 dials.

VALCV-PAC increases total investments in 2021 races to more than $2.4M

Written by

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021

Media contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

Investments come as Youngkin admits he ‘doesn’t know what causes climate change,’ Trump spreads his ‘Big Lie’ at Youngkin campaign rally

RICHMOND – With only 14 days until Election Day, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters Political Action Committee (VALCV-PAC) today announced an additional $400,000 investment in its 2021 electoral program, bringing the organization’s total investment in this cycle to more than $2.4 million in an effort to elect Terry McAuliffe Governor and maintain Virginia’s Conservation Majority.

“This election is absolutely consequential to ensuring Virginia keeps moving forward on climate action, environmental protection, and a just clean energy economy that benefits all Virginians,”  said Michael Town, campaign director of VALCV-PAC. “Glenn Youngkin just said he isn’t smart enough to know what causes climate change – we can’t afford four years of his leadership in Richmond. That’s why we are upping our investment this cycle to re-elect Terry McAuliffe and secure a pro-conservation House of Delegates.”

VALCV-PAC’s additional investments come at a pivotal time in the campaign, as polls show an incredibly tight race up and down the ticket. The increased spending also comes as Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin’s close ties and parallels to Donald Trump come into clearer view.

In a recent interview on WAVY-TV, Youngkin downplayed the role that human activities play in causing climate change, saying he “doesn’t know what causes climate change” and that “all living beings play a part.” And last Tuesday, Trump himself stumped for Youngkin, spreading dangerous conspiracy theories and calling for efforts to undermine our democracy and restrict voting rights.

The additional $400,000 investment will be divided the following way:

  • $150,000 directly to the McAuliffe campaign;
  • $180,000 in additional funding for the coordinated field effort;
  • $70,000 to boost our existing nine-district digital campaign, while adding a 10th district: HD-40 (Helmer).

Programmatic investments in the 2021 race from VALCV-PAC already made this cycle include:

  • Mail: $205,000 to run targeted mail programs in three House districts: HD-10 (Gooditis), HD-28 (Cole), and HD-83 (Guy). The six-piece flights in each district include pieces like this one in HD-10, this one in HD-28, and this one in HD-83.
  • Digital: $300,000 to run digital programs in nine battleground House Districts: HD-10 (Gooditis), HD-21 (Convirs-Fowler), HD-27 (Gardner), HD-28 (Cole), HD-63 (Aird), HD-73 (Willett), HD-75 (Tyler), HD-83 (Guy) and HD-85 (Askew).
  • Partnerships: $800,000 to support field canvass and communications programs being run by our partners at BlackPAC and New Virginia Majority.
  • GreenRoots: $100,000 GreenRoots program with 6 organizers on the ground supporting the coordinated field programs to  work in five target House districts: HD-27 (Gardner), HD-73 (Willett), HD-83 (Guy), HD-85 (Askew) and HD-91 (Mugler).
  • Direct Contributions: $500,000 to the McAuliffe campaign for communications. Additionally, VALCV-PAC will be spending up to $100,000 between now and Election Day supporting candidates for office.

The Conservation Majority has, in just the past two years, delivered on a host of environmental priorities that address climate change, expand clean energy, protect clean water and public lands, and cut harmful pollution. Our opposition in this race would roll back much of this progress, making it imperative that voters know exactly what’s at stake on Nov. 2. This is why the bulk of our campaign hinges on direct communication and engagement with voters – work that VALCV-PAC will carry through Election Day.

More information about VALCV-PAC’s electoral and endorsement efforts is available at www.valcvpac.org.

About us:
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters PAC endorses and works to elect conservation champions to state office to ensure that Virginians’ strong environmental values are translated to long-term political and legislative victories for clean air, clean water and protected open space. For more information, visit www.valcvpac.org.

###

VALCV PAC announces significant campaign ramp-up in final weeks of 2021 race

Written by

For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021

Media contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(434) 989-3197 | lfrancis@valcv.org

Investments in mail, digital and field programs will elevate climate action, the environment to voters across Virginia’s battleground

RICHMOND – With a little less than a month to go until Virginia voters elect a new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and House of Delegates, Virginia LCV’s Political Action Committee (VALCV PAC) today announced a significant ramp-up of its efforts to protect and strengthen its Conservation Majority.

“This election is absolutely pivotal to protecting and building on the incredible progress we’ve made in recent years addressing the climate crisis, transitioning to a clean energy economy, and safeguarding our environment,” said Michael Town, campaign director of VALCV PAC. “We are committed to doing everything we can to win on Nov. 2, which starts with letting voters know exactly what’s at stake for clean air, clean water and Virginia’s future.”

Programmatic investments in the 2021 race from VALCV PAC this cycle include:

  • Mail: $205,000 to run targeted mail programs in three House districts: HD-10 (Gooditis), HD-28 (Cole), and HD-83 (Guy). The six-piece flights in each district include pieces like this one in HD-10, this one in HD-28, and this one in HD-83.
  • Digital: $300,000 to run digital programs in nine battleground House Districts: HD-10 (Gooditis), HD-21 (Convirs-Fowler), HD-27 (Gardner), HD-28 (Cole), HD-63 (Aird), HD-73 (Willett), HD-75 (Tyler), HD-83 (Guy) and HD-85 (Askew).
  • Partnerships: $800,000 to support field canvass and communications programs being run by our partners at BlackPAC and New Virginia Majority.
  • GreenRoots: $100,000 GreenRoots program with 6 organizers on the ground supporting the coordinated field programs to  work in five target House districts: HD-27 (Gardner), HD-73 (Willett), HD-83 (Guy), HD-85 (Askew) and HD-91 (Mugler).
  • Direct Contributions: $500,000 to the McAuliffe campaign for communications. Additionally, VALCV PAC will be spending up to $100,000 between now and Election Day supporting candidates for office.

The Conservation Majority has, in just the past two years, delivered on a host of environmental priorities that address climate change, expand clean energy, protect clean water and public lands, and cut harmful pollution. Our opposition in this race, led by Donald Trump-endorsed Glenn Youngkin, would roll back much of this progress, making it imperative that voters know exactly what’s at stake on Nov. 2. This is why the bulk of our campaign hinges on direct communication and engagement with voters – work that VALCV PAC will carry through Election Day.

More information about VALCV PAC’s electoral and endorsement efforts is available at www.valcvpac.org.

About us:
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters PAC endorses and works to elect conservation champions to state office to ensure that Virginians’ strong environmental values are translated to long-term political and legislative victories for clean air, clean water and protected open space. For more information, visit www.valcvpac.org.

###