On Tuesday, hundreds of thousands of Virginians headed to the polls and participated in the commonwealth’s primary elections. We at Humane World Action Fund, formerly known as the Humane Society Legislative Fund, were thrilled to see all our endorsed candidates advance to the general election. Now, we have less than 150 days to rally around pro-animal champions in Virginia.
When we vote, we change animals’ lives, not just our own. Humane candidates become humane legislators who pass animal-friendly laws—and now, more than ever, we are seeing the fruits of our movement’s political advocacy in Virginia. This year, bills to tighten regulations on pet shops, require the sanctuary retirement of nonhuman primates used in testing, and increase transparency measures for animal testing facilities all became law.
Our critical wins for animals across Virginia result directly from the election and reelection of pro-animal lawmakers who understand that our furry and feathered friends deserve protection, and this year there will be several pro-animal candidates on November ’s general election ballot. We endorsed Delegates Patrick Hope (D-1), Michael Jones (D-77), and Anne Ferrell Tata (R-99), all stalwart allies as evidenced by their respective 100% scores on the 2025 Virginia Humane Scorecard. We intend to make more endorsements for the General Assembly (there are no state senate elections) as the election nears.
As you would assume, the race for governor will help to determine the source of executive leadership on Virginia’s most pressing animal protection issues, and we have not made an endorsement at this time. On the Democratic side, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D) is a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus and has cosponsored several pieces of humane legislation, from the Better CARE for Animals Act (H.R. 5041) to the PAST Act (H.R. 3090). Republican nominee, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears (R), has not supported significant pro-animal action in her office. Yet there’s still time, and we encourage voters to bring animal protection issues to her attention on the campaign trail over the next few months.
It is up to us to continue supporting humane allies who can stop cruelty at the source with their legislative authority and acumen. Please do come out and vote on Tuesday, November 4thand keep reading to learn about steps you can take before and on election day in support of animals.
How can you act to end animal cruelty in advance of the November election?
Every election gives us an opportunity to show candidates the political power of the animal welfare movement. Here are six critical steps you can take to send more animal-friendly lawmakers to Richmond!
- Register to vote!
If you have already done so, double check your registration and if you haven’t yet registered to vote, you can do so online. Even if you have voted before in the past, we encourage you to double check your registration status.
- Ask candidates about their stance on animal protection issues.
When candidates come knocking on your door this cycle, or appear at a town hall, take the opportunity to speak about animal issues of concern to you. From pets in housing to wildlife protection, this is the time to let candidates know that Virginians vote for pro-animal candidates.
- Stay up to date on Action Fund endorsements.
Humane World Action Fund will continue to endorse candidates for office in Virginia on a rolling basis this summer and fall. Be sure to regularly check our endorsements page for more information on office-seekers.
- Volunteer your time for humane candidates.
Knocking on doors, phone banking, and writing postcards are all ways you can support humane campaigns. Volunteering your time with a campaign can amplify the importance of the humane movement in countless ways.
- Donate to the Humane World Action Fund of Virginia PAC.
The Humane World Action Fund of Virginia PAC directly supports pro-animal candidates running in Virginia. Every bit of support keeps humane campaigns running and helps us elect compassionate lawmakers up and down the ballot. If you are not already, we encourage you to become a donor.
- Make a voting plan.
Before election day arrives, make a plan to vote. Look up your polling location and sample ballot to prepare. Please encourage others in your life to vote, too. When we show up together, we can decide the outcomes of elections and make an even greater difference in the lives of animals.
We owe it to those who cannot speak for themselves to engage on their behalf at all levels of government. Thank you to everyone who voted in this primary election—now, let’s keep up the momentum and turn out again for animals. On November 4th, we have the power to elect and re-elect candidates who share our goal of making Virginia a more humane commonwealth.
Humane World Action Fund of Virginia PAC is the Virginia political action committee of Humane World Action Fund, a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(4) of the IRS code. Donations are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.
Virginia State Campaign Finance Law dictates the following contribution limits: individuals may contribute without limit per primary and general election; corporations may contribute without limit per primary and general election.
Paid for by Humane World Action Fund of Virginia PAC, 1255 23rd St. NW, Suite 455, Washington, DC 20037
