Introductions are necessary, so let’s play “Practical Politics.”
Shhh. Virginia comes first. Meet Joy Powers.
Our goal is to identify candidates who can bridge the partisan divide to help families and small businesses in their districts. These candidates might be running for state legislature, Congress, or other offices.
Some will be running in areas far from where our readers live, but that’s okay. Readers can still help them—small donations add up to make a difference.
Our expectation is to build a New Majority for Democrats that brings together independents, former Republicans, conservative Democrats, and liberal Democrats—creating a “not perfect” agreement, but rather a general consensus that moves us forward.
Our pledge is to introduce you to candidates who are crossing the “bridge” of partisanship. Since we can’t introduce you to everyone, we’ll be selective in our introductions.
We start with VIRGINIA because elections for the state government are on November 4th, 2025. Readers may expect more candidate introductions. Joy is our first.
JOY for VIRGINIA. Joy Powers is a Christian, a farmer, and someone who used to work in the firearms industry.
WAIT … She’s a … Democrat …?
In Joy’s words, I’m running as a Democrat because rural Virginia needs someone at the table—someone who knows firsthand what is important and needed here at home. … Agriculture isn’t just a talking point to me; it’s part of my identity. I know what it’s like to come home tired from unpredictable days, dealing with bad weather and cattle prices dropping.
We need common-sense laws aimed squarely at criminals—not at everyday people hunting to feed their families or protecting their homes. That's basic practicality, not partisan politics.
One of my strongest motivations to run is my son, Eli. He starts kindergarten this fall, and he deserves someone in Richmond who will protect and strengthen public education. In our communities, teachers are heroes—not political targets. They deserve fair pay, respect, and proper resources.
As the granddaughter of a World War II veteran who loved the United States of America … we should be ashamed when veterans who bravely served are called "parasites" simply for accessing the benefits they've earned. Our elders, especially our veterans, deserve better healthcare, stronger protections for their benefits, and a society that genuinely honors their contributions.
Joy’s opponent: Eric Zehr is like her Congressman—John McGuire, who stands with Marjorie Taylor Green, and pledges to his constituents that he knows “nothing about any proposed cuts to the SNAP program—the very program that helps low-income families put food on the table;” followed by McGuire returning to Washington to vote for the “Big Beautiful Bill” that cut food aid for hungry children living in poverty. Zehr goes to Richmond filled with zeal to limit people’s rights—their medical care, their public schools, and more. Zehr received an “F” on the Reproductive Rights scorecard. He generally votes NO on issues related to clean energy and has repeatedly stated he opposes public schools’ “indoctrination of children” and wants to “change the culture” in VA.
Learn more: Joy for Virginia. Contribute.