A source familiar with Forward Party operations in Virginia recently spoke with Independent Political Report to disclose internal conversations for securing recognition and future ballot access in the state. Such a potential effort would involve organizing ahead of the 2024 United States Senate election in Virginia and achieving ten percent of the vote needed under state law to remain a recognized party.
An individual associated with this effort explained to Independent Political Report that the state’s current Forward-associated organization is weighing the option of either following national party efforts to organize as a party on a state level or choosing to remain a Political Action Committee. Which path Forward Virginia follows is ultimately under the purview of the state organization’s executive board, which would need to file the necessary paperwork ahead of the 2024 election cycle.
“Our Virginia efforts are directed by state co-leads Arun Nedun, Brendon Lugo, and Eric Richards; regional coordinators; and our research, communications, and fundraising teams,” reads the Virginia section on the Forward Party official website.
The individual also said there are currently three individuals considering running as candidates if Forward Virginia decides to organize. The background of these candidates is presently unknown; however, advertising the party and getting the word out would be the “primary goal” of any such campaigns. Should the organization choose to remain a PAC, no such candidates would likely run as a third-party campaign would be “fruitless.”
Candidates pursuing statewide office in Virginia must collect 10,000 signatures. Additionally, petitions must include at least 400 qualified voters from each congressional district. Currently, Virginia only recognizes the Republican and Democratic Parties under state law.