State Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, is endorsing May Nivar for the Democratic nomination in Henrico’s HD-57. This district is a key race for Democrats looking to expand their majority.
“May Nivar has my full support in her campaign to flip the 57th District House of Delegates seat,” VanValkenburg said. “It’s the most important House race in Virginia and I’m confident May has what it takes to win this majority-making seat and that she’ll be a great Delegate for the people of Henrico and Goochland. I’ve known May for years and I know she’ll stand up for Virginia’s families by lowering the cost of living, fully funding our public schools, and defending reproductive freedom.”
Nivar is running for the Democratic nomination against Andrew Schear.
The incumbent, Del. David Owen, R-Henrico, defeated Susanna Gibson by two points in 2023.
However, analysis from VPAP shows that Kamala Harris won this district by more than nine points last November.
Nivar has the backing of several prominent Democrats in the area and across the commonwealth.
Her full list of endorsements includes:
- Former Gov. Ralph Northam
- U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04)
- U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10)
- Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (SD-15)
- Sen. Saddam Salim (SD-37)
- Del. Rodney Willett (HD-58)
- Del. Sam Rasoul (HD-38)
- Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor
- Henrico Board Supervisor Tyrone Nelson (Varina District)
- Henrico Board Supervisor Roscoe Cooper (Fairfield District)
Nivar served on former Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s Asian Advisory Board and works at Altria.
“As a mother of two daughters, I feel a deep responsibility to safeguard their future,” Nivar said in her announcement last year. “We’re at risk of losing many freedoms, particularly the ability to make decisions about our own bodies. I’m running to protect our hard-fought rights and ensure all women have access to abortion care, contraception, and IVF.”