WASHINGTON, DC — Today, democracy watchdog Common Cause announced that after a nationwide search, it has unanimously chosen Virginia Kase Solomón as its next President and CEO. Solomón, the current CEO of the League of Women Voters, will become Common Cause’s tenth president, the fourth woman, and the first Hispanic person to lead the organization in the permanent role. She will officially begin in February 2024.

“Common Cause is honored to welcome a proven leader of change, Virginia Kase Solomón, as our next President and CEO,” said Martha Tierney, presidenta de la junta directiva nacional de Common Cause. “Virginia’s entire career has been grounded in giving voice to so many—young Americans, new Americans, and women of all ages and races fighting for a more inclusive democracy. We have a long legacy of lifting up the voices of our nation to join our pro-democracy movement and we look forward to Virginia creating an even more powerful Common Cause.”

As CEO of the League of Women Voters, Solomón led the organization to great success, expanding state capacity, tripling the budget and staff, and increasing membership by 30%. She and the League are credited with spearheading the “No More Excuses” campaign that moved President Biden to support ending the filibuster for voting rights.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to assume the role of president and CEO at Common Cause,” said Virginia Kase Salomón. “My time at the League of Women Voters has been invaluable, and I am grateful to have worked in partnership with our membership to advance real progress and build power with the American people, especially women. I am confident that our democracy will only grow stronger as Common Cause and the League continue to stand shoulder to shoulder, as we have for more than 50 years, to build a democracy that serves the interests of all.”

A lifelong social justice and civil rights advocate, Virginia began her career when she co-founded a youth-led organization. She helped organize at-risk youth to build grassroots support for job and educational opportunities in Connecticut. She then worked to give voice to the newest Americans with a leadership role at an immigrant rights organization, where she helped pass the Maryland Dream Act.

“We are in good hands with Virginia’s three decades of successful political advocacy on behalf of youth, immigrants, and women,” said Jordan Davis, Common Cause Interim Co-President. “I have worked alongside Virginia many times over the years as a coalition partner in the fight for a more inclusive democracy. We are excited to welcome her to Common Cause as she leads our organization’s next chapter of success,” added Marilyn Carpinteyro, Common Cause Interim Co-President.

Solomón is recognized nationally for her leadership, having testified before Congress on election administration multiple times. In 2020, she was named in People en Español’s Most Powerful Women of the Year list, and in 2022 and 2023, she was named one of the 500 Most Influential People in Washington by Washingtonian Magazine.

“As Virginia embarks on a new journey with Common Cause, we extend our heartfelt best wishes,” said Dr. Deborah Turner, president of the League of Women Voters. “The leadership, vision, and inspiration that Virginia brought to the League during her tenure led us to forge a new direction and build for a vibrant league of the future. Virginia will always be a cherished friend of the League and we are grateful for the lasting impact she has made on our organization.”

In the interim, Common Cause has been led by co-presidents Marilyn Carpinteyro, Vice President of Campaigns and Strategy, and Jordan Davis, Vice President of People, Equity, and Inclusion. Marilyn and Jordan have overseen the 53-year organization’s pro-democracy agenda nationally and in 25 states. They led Common Cause through historic victories, nationally at the Supreme Court in the widely watched Moore contra Harper caso, and in the states, including in Ohio, turning out voters in record numbers to protect the constitutional right to the ballot, and reproductive rights.

Common Cause’s search began after the passing of its beloved leader, Karen Hobert Flynn, who served three decades in the organization until her death. Boardwalk Consulting, based in Georgia, was commissioned to lead the search and a search committee of both board and staff members, was formed to review candidates. More than 100 staff provided input into the position description. The search reached more than 450 candidates and sources and the search committee reviewed 22 prospective candidates and interviewed eight candidates. Solomón was chosen unanimously by both the board and the search committee.

Solomón has appeared in major media outlets, including The New York Times, Time Magazine, Glamour, Vogue, and more. You can follow her work on X at @kasevirginia.