NAACP Denies Endorsing Virginia Governor After Misleading Claims

As Election Day nears, the NAACP has firmly rejected claims that the organization has endorsed any candidate in Virginia’s gubernatorial race. In a statement released Wednesday, the civil rights organization clarified its longstanding nonpartisan position amid what appears to be spreading misinformation about its role in the upcoming election.

“The NAACP Virginia State Conference has not endorsed any candidate for Governor. Period,” said Rev. Cozy Bailey, Virginia State Conference President. “We remain focused on the issues that matter most to our community: protecting voting rights, expanding access to affordable healthcare, improving economic opportunity, and ensuring that every eligible voter is able to cast a ballot freely and fairly.”

The statement comes at a critical time as Virginians prepare to head to the polls on November 4. While the organization did not specify which campaign or entity may have falsely claimed its endorsement, the NAACP emphasized that such claims fundamentally misrepresent the organization’s mission and approach to political engagement.

As the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, the NAACP has historically maintained a policy of not endorsing specific candidates, instead focusing on policy advocacy and voter mobilization efforts. This approach has allowed the organization to maintain its credibility across political divides while advocating for the interests of Black Americans and other marginalized communities.

Dominik Whitehead, NAACP Chief of Field, Membership Growth & Unit Sustainability, underscored the seriousness of the organization’s work beyond partisan politics. “People want to turn this into a political game, but for our communities, the stakes are life and death,” Whitehead stated. “We don’t endorse candidates. We fight for civil rights, and we’re laser-focused on getting our people to the polls to defend democracy and to vote for leaders who stand for policies that benefit Black Americans.”

The Virginia gubernatorial race has drawn national attention as both parties view it as a potential bellwether for the political landscape. With races tightening in multiple states, organizations like the NAACP play a crucial role in voter education and mobilization, particularly in communities that have historically faced barriers to voting.

Despite not endorsing candidates, the NAACP remains deeply engaged in election-related activities. Throughout Virginia, local NAACP units have launched comprehensive get-out-the-vote initiatives, including door-to-door canvassing, phone and text message campaigns, community voter education events, and volunteer coordination efforts.

These activities reflect the organization’s core mission of protecting civil rights through civic engagement. Founded in 1909, the NAACP has a storied history of fighting for racial justice and equality through legal challenges, public advocacy, and grassroots organizing. The organization was instrumental in landmark victories like Brown v. Board of Education and continues to be at the forefront of contemporary civil rights battles.

The NAACP’s clarification about its non-endorsement policy comes during an election season marked by heightened concerns about misinformation and its potential impact on voter turnout and election integrity. By issuing this statement, the organization appears to be both protecting its reputation and reinforcing its commitment to nonpartisan voter engagement.

As the November 4 election approaches, the NAACP has encouraged all eligible Virginians to exercise their right to vote and to understand that “elections have consequences.” This message aligns with the organization’s broader effort to emphasize the direct connection between electoral participation and policy outcomes affecting Black communities.

Virginia voters seeking accurate information about polling locations, voting rights, or other election-related concerns can visit the NAACP’s voter resource hub at naacp.org/vote.