Loudoun County, VA – NOW PAC, the member-supported political action committee of the National Organization for Women (NOW), announced it is endorsing Eileen Filler-Corn, the 56th Speaker of the House of Delegates, in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.
“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of NOW PAC,” said Filler-Corn. “Throughout my career, I have fought tirelessly to protect and expand women’s rights in Virginia. During my Speakership, we made historic progress, from ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment to repealing restrictive abortion laws. In Congress, I will fight for reproductive rights, codify Roe, and make the ERA the 28th amendment. Together, we can ensure a future where every woman’s voice is valued and bodily autonomy respected.”
Filler-Corn served in the House of Delegates for 14 years and, in 2020, after leading Democrats to retake the majority, became the first woman in Virginia’s history to serve as Speaker of the House. During Filler-Corn’s speakership, she led the House to roll back abortion restrictions that Republicans had put in place, including repealing TRAP laws, an unnecessary ultrasound requirement, and a 24-hour waiting period mandate. Under her leadership as Speaker, Virginia became the critical 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Crossing that critical threshold means that Congress could now formalize its adoption as the 28th amendment to the Constitution with sufficient support.
“Eileen Filler-Corn’s leadership and dedication to advancing women’s rights and gender equality have been transformative for Virginia and a model for the nation,” said Lisa Sales, president of Virginia NOW. “Having had the opportunity to work with Eileen directly on legislative matters, I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering commitment to reproductive rights, the ERA, sexual and domestic violence victims, and anti-discrimination laws and was proud to bear witness to her historic tenure as Speaker of the House of Delegates. She exemplifies the kind of representation we need and NOW PAC was proud to endorse her candidacy for VA-10. I am absolutely confident she will continue championing the issues that matter most to women in Congress.”
Prior to her historic speakership, Filler-Corn was already a committed advocate for women’s rights. In 2012, she argued against the Republican effort to require a transvaginal ultrasound and shined a light on HB1, the “personhood” bill, and the effect it would have on contraception. Her strategy ultimately led to its defeat. And in 2017, she sponsored and passed HB2267, requiring health benefit plans to provide coverage for a full year of hormonal contraceptives and delivering Virginia’s first women’s reproductive health legislative victory in over a decade. In 2023, she also successfully sponsored and passed the Silenced No More Act, which aims to stop NDAs from silencing sexual misconduct claims.
Sales added, “Achieving gender parity in Congress is crucial for ensuring that women’s diverse perspectives and experiences are represented in our nation’s policymaking. Now more than ever, we need women on the frontlines defending our rights and freedom. Eileen Filler-Corn is the woman for the job. She has proven herself to be a dedicated and effective leader. Her election will help maintain our progress and continue the fight for gender equality in all areas of our society.”
NOW PAC is the political arm of NOW, the largest grassroots feminist organization in the country. It has hundreds of chapters and thousands of supporters, members, and advocates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
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