Today, the NAACP Virginia State Conference announced its 2026 Legislative Priorities for the Virginia General Assembly 2026 regular session. The NAACP Virginia State Conference reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing justice, equity, and opportunity for all Virginians. Our legislative agenda reflects a bold and comprehensive vision—one that confronts the systemic inequities impacting our communities and champions transformative solutions across voting rights, education, health care, economic justice, and environmental protection.
“Every year, the NAACP in Virginia creates and presents to the General Assembly our legislative priorities for the upcoming session. This year’s agenda continues to demonstrate the NAACP’s commitment to confronting systemic inequities impacting our communities and championing transformative solutions,” said Rev. Cozy Bailey, NAACP Virginia State Conference President. “Additionally, the NAACP in Virginia strongly supports and endorses the three constitutional amendments being considered this year: Marriage Equality, Reproductive Freedom, and Automatic Restoration of Voting Rights for returning formerly convicted felons. We also support the redistricting efforts of the General Assembly.”
During today’s virtual press conference, Rev. Bailey was joined by NAACP Virginia State Conference Region 1 Vice President and Political Action Chair Gaylene Kanoyton, Region 3 Vice President and Environmental Climate Justice Chair Karen Campblin, Criminal Justice Chair Valerie Slater, Esq, Education Chair Dr. James Fedderman, Housing Chair Tracey Hardney-Scott, Health Committee Chair Trish White-Boyd, Youth & College President Jalen Vince, and Nichelle Clark, Legislative Coordinator.
The NAACP Virginia State Conference recognizes that meaningful change demands more than incremental reform—it requires courageous leadership and sustained advocacy. This year, we are focused not only on defending the rights and well-being of historically marginalized populations but also on dismantling the structural barriers that perpetuate injustice.