2025 General Election

The four YIMBY Action chapters in Virginia (Fredericksburg, Hampton Roads, Richmond, Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia) recognize the value in having a housing champion as the Lieutenant Governor in the Commonwealth. We are proud to endorse Senator Ghazala Hashmi.

Four of the Lieutenant Governor candidates completed our questionnaire (only candidates who completed the questionnaire are eligible for endorsement). You can read the complete set questionnaire responses here.

Senator Ghazala Hashmi provided very strong answers to our questionnaire, recognizing the central role that housing supply will play in ending the housing shortage and bringing housing affordability to Virginia. Her responses, as well as her actions in the Virginia Senate, show the role that state-level action has to make housing easier to build. She has also started to look at pro-housing legislation in other states that could be brought to Virginia. Senator Hashmi sits on the Virginia Housing Commission and she has been a central ally with YIMBY-supported legislation in the last two legislative sessions.

RVA YIMBY is proud to endorse May Nivar for the Virginia House of Delegates. May understands that the housing shortage is at the core of Virginia's housing affordability crisis. She supports both increased funding for income-restricted affordable housing and the creation of statewide guidelines to help localities modernize their zoning codes. May’s commitment to practical, pro-housing solutions has earned her the support of housing champions in the General Assembly, including Senators Ghazala Hashmi, Schuyler VanValkenburg, and Saddam Salim. She’s ready to bring bold, informed leadership to Richmond to make it easier to build more homes Virginians can afford.

RVA YIMBY endorses Leslie Mehta for the Virginia House of Delegates. Leslie understands the urgency of this moment — too many young Virginians have given up the dream of homeownership. She knows that outdated zoning laws make it nearly impossible to build the kinds of homes Virginians actually need, forcing communities toward “McMansions” instead of real choices. She’s ready to change that and support policies that make it legal to build more homes Virginians can actually afford.

RVA YIMBY is proud to endorse Delegate Debra Gardner for re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates. Delegate Gardner has been a consistent champion for pro-housing policies, supporting key bills advanced by the Commonwealth Housing Coalition — including legislation to legalize by-right ADUs, establish local housing targets, and streamline approvals for new homes. She recognizes that the Commonwealth has a vital role to play in expanding housing opportunity and believes the state should set a fair floor for local zoning to ensure Virginians have real choices in where and how they live. Delegate Gardner’s leadership reflects a clear vision: a Virginia where more neighbors can afford to live, work, and thrive.

RVA YIMBY is proud to endorse Delegate Mike Jones for re-election to the House of Delegates. From his time on Richmond City Council to his service in the General Assembly, Delegate Jones has been a steadfast advocate for expanding housing opportunity and choice. In the House, he has supported legislation to legalize ADUs, set local housing targets, and streamline approvals for new homes. He also lives his values: for years, he has worked to build affordable housing on property owned by his church, gaining first-hand experience with the maze of approvals and political barriers that have contributed to Virginia’s housing shortage. Delegate Jones brings both conviction and lived experience to the fight for more homes and more choices for Virginians.

RVA YIMBY is proud to endorse Delegate Betsy Carr for re-election to the House of Delegates. A true housing champion, Delegate Carr has repeatedly sponsored Commonwealth Housing Coalition legislation to expand housing supply and affordability. She demonstrates not just support, but leadership on the issues that matter most to Virginians seeking more housing choices. With her record of advancing pro-housing legislation and her senior committee roles, Carr is one of the strongest voices in the General Assembly tackling Virginia’s housing crisis. Her leadership ensures that expanding opportunity and choice in housing remains a top priority in Richmond.

RVA YIMBY is proud to endorse Delegate Rae Cousins for re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates. Delegate Cousins has been a steadfast advocate for expanding housing opportunity and affordability. She has supported legislation aimed at increasing the inventory of affordable housing, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the housing needs of working families. Her leadership and dedication make her a valuable ally in the fight to ensure that all Virginians have access to safe, affordable, and inclusive housing options.

RVA YIMBY proudly endorses Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling for re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates. Since taking office, Delegate Bolling has consistently supported policies that expand housing supply and improve access to a variety of housing options. She has backed measures to increase the inventory of affordable housing and streamline approval processes, demonstrating a practical approach to addressing Virginia’s housing challenges. Delegate Bolling is committed to ensuring more Virginians have real choices in where and how they live.