Arlington LGBTQ+ Group Releases Congressional Candidate Grades

ARLINGTON, VA — An Arlington LGBTQ+ advocacy group gave Democratic Rep. Don Beyer an A and his three opponents failing grades in Virginia's 8th Congressional District race, although two candidates received F grades because they did not respond to the organization's questionnaire.

Equality Arlington released its candidate evaluations Wednesday, less than three weeks before the Nov. 3 general election. The nonprofit asked all four candidates to answer questions about federal policies affecting LGBTQ+ residents, including discrimination protections, transgender students and federal employees.

Only Beyer and Libertarian Shelly Arnoldi responded. Independent Tim Sharman and Republican Tony Sabio received failing grades for not participating.

The grades reflect Equality Arlington's assessment of the candidates' positions and responses, rather than an independent evaluation of their qualifications.

How The Candidates Were Graded

Don Beyer, Democrat: A

The organization gave Beyer its highest grade, citing his support for the Equality Act, which would expand federal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Beyer, the district's incumbent representative, has co-sponsored the legislation, voted for it twice and pledged to prioritize its passage in the next Congress.

Equality Arlington also cited his opposition to provisions affecting LGBTQ+ rights in defense authorization legislation and his plans to introduce legislation protecting federal employees from politically motivated dismissals.

The group encouraged Beyer to continue advocating for transgender military service members and access to gender-affirming health care.

Shelly Arnoldi, Libertarian: F

Arnoldi received an F based on her questionnaire responses, including her opposition to federal laws that would require individuals or businesses to act against their conscience.

Arnoldi argued that the federal government should not compel people to hire, associate or conduct business in ways that violate their personal beliefs.

Equality Arlington criticized that position, arguing it could weaken federal protections against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.

The group also cited Arnoldi's statement that she does not believe children should undergo gender transitions.

Tim Sharman, Independent: F

Sharman received an F because he did not respond to the questionnaire.

Equality Arlington did not evaluate his positions on the four questions because it received no answers.

Tony Sabio, Republican: F

Sabio also received an F for not responding.

The organization said it made three attempts to contact him before assigning the grade.

Issues Affecting Arlington Voters

The questionnaire addressed several issues with local implications, including protections for LGBTQ+ federal employees and policies affecting transgender students in Arlington Public Schools.

Beyer said he supports legislation that strengthens protections for federal workers against politically motivated dismissals and limits the federal government's ability to withhold funding.

The organization also examined candidates' positions on the Equality Act, which would expand federal civil rights protections in areas including employment, housing and public accommodations.

Equality Arlington said its board evaluated the candidates based on their understanding of LGBTQ+ residents' needs and the potential effects of their proposed policies.

The group has conducted similar candidate questionnaires in previous Arlington elections, including this year's County Board race.

The grades are the organization's own assessments and do not represent an official government evaluation.

Virginia's 8th Congressional District includes Arlington County, Alexandria, Falls Church and portions of Fairfax County.

Voters will choose their representative in the Nov. 3 general election. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.