Virginia NOW Inc Directs Funds to PAC Backing Progressive State Candidates

Virginia NOW Inc transferred $3,500 to the Virginia NOW PAC on September 11, 2023. The PAC operates to identify, interview, endorse and fund candidates for Virginia state executive and legislative offices. Its stated goals include comprehensive immigration reform and commonsense gun safety and reform laws.

The Virginia NOW PAC has directed contributions to multiple Democratic candidates in recent cycles. Recipients have included George Barker for Senate, Jess Foster for Delegate, Margaret Vanderhye for Delegate, Sheila Bynum-Coleman for Delegate, Amy Laufer for Senate and Qasim Rashid for Senate. These donations total over $160,000 across various state races according to available records.

Individual supporters have also provided funds to the PAC. Emily McCoy contributed $5,000 on September 29, 2023, while Kristine McLaughlin gave $1,000 around the same period. Additional donors listed in filings include Fred McCoy with a $1,000 contribution.

The PAC structure allows support for candidates who align with its feminist progressive platform. Virginia law restricts direct chapter funding of candidates, leading to the formation of this separate committee for endorsements and financial support.

Virginia NOW Inc maintains its role as the state chapter directing resources into the PAC. This arrangement channels funds toward candidates who advance the listed policy objectives on immigration and firearms. Records show consistent support for Democratic contenders in legislative contests.

The PAC cannot endorse federal candidates directly but provides recommendations to the national NOW PAC. State-level activity remains the primary focus with documented contributions to endorsed individuals. Past patterns indicate ongoing financial involvement in Virginia elections favoring specific policy directions.