麻花视频

House District 79

Where: Part of Richmond Who: Del. Rae Cousins, D-Richmond, vs. Republican Kelsey Linnehan

First-term Del. , D-Richmond, and Republican are seeking to represent a district that stretches from the Pine Camp community center in the far northern reaches of the city to the area of South Richmond around the Philip Morris USA cigarette plant. 鈥淚n these very precarious economic times with looming cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP, and with prices increasing from groceries to utility bills to health care to housing, we all need to focus on fixing the economy, ensuring all families have the resources they need to care for themselves and their families,鈥� Cousins said.

She said her priorities are to strengthen public schools, to ensure access to affordable quality health care and protect the rights and freedoms of all Virginians. 鈥淚 grew up in Richmond, and, sadly, I see all around me too much evidence that too many Richmonders are not able to get ahead, not able to grow wealth, not able to afford a home and simply struggling to thrive. We need to change those circumstances, and I decided I needed to step up and do my part,鈥� she said. Linnehan said she wants to improve Virginia鈥檚 Freedom of Information Act, push for lower electric bills, reduce the flow of drugs and weapons into jail and to reduce sewage spills into the James River. Linnehan also calls for repealing the car tax, meals tax and plastic bag tax. 鈥淚 am running as a Republican in a heavily blue district. 鈥� I have to respect that,鈥� she said. 鈥淎t the same time, I believe the day-to-day issues of Richmonders transcend party politics.鈥� Cousins is a lawyer. Linnehan is a retired litigator who focused on international trade and now is homeschooling her four children.

House District 78

Where: Part of Richmond Who: Del. Betsy Carr, D-Richmond, vs. Republican Rich Prado

In the western reaches of the city, D-Richmond, is facing a challenge from Republican . She鈥檚 a 15-year veteran of the House of Delegates, who previously served on the city School Board. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, she鈥檚 pushed for funding for public schools, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as rebuilding Fox Elementary and modernizing schools. She鈥檚 backed measures to ensure access to abortion and to address gun violence. Prado鈥檚 campaign material argues that 鈥淣obody should be working in elected positions for decades or well past retirement age.鈥� He calls for lower taxes, fewer regulations and argues that increased school funding won鈥檛 improve student performance.

House District 77

Where: Parts of Richmond and Chesterfield County Who: Del. Mike Jones, D-Richmond, vs. Republican Richard Stonage

To the south, and stretching into northern Chesterfield, , D-Richmond, faces a challenge from Republican . 鈥淭he cost of living continues to escalate, leaving too many families unable to afford essentials and pay their bills,鈥� Jones said. He鈥檚 focused on the rising cost of housing, health care and food. A member of Richmond City Council from 2015 until his election to the House in 2023, Jones said, 鈥淚 realized I could have a stronger impact for the area in the General Assembly,鈥� where he鈥檚 argued for more photo speed monitoring devices as part of a longstanding campaign to cut fatal accidents in the district鈥檚 Hull Street corridor. He also tapped his experience as captain of the University of Colorado football team to enact guidelines to prevent student athletes鈥� heat exhaustion. 鈥淭he General Assembly, with the governor, determines the state budget and, frankly, for our localities to address many of their problems, from infrastructure to schools, they need additional resources,鈥� he said. Stonage wants to prioritize 鈥渃ontrolling the size and reach of government that will result in lower taxes and more liberty for Virginians to prosper while ensuring the rightful government duties are effective and efficient.鈥� A top concern is addressing the city鈥檚 water utility problems. Stonage also calls for supporting law enforcement agencies and the state鈥檚 right-to-work law barring compulsory union membership. He opposes electric vehicle mandates and California-style clean energy legislation and allowing transgender girls and women to use female bathrooms and locker rooms. He supports making it easier for students to attend private, trade and special schools. Jones is a pastor, Stonage is an engineer.

House District 76

Where: Northern Chesterfield Who: Del. Debra Gardner, D-Chesterfield, vs. Republican John Thomas

Also in northern Chesterfield, first-term Del. D-Chesterfield, is challenged by Republican . Affordable housing is her top issue, and she argues for funding to reduce homelessness and expand rental assistance programs in high-cost areas. 鈥淭oo many voices, especially Black, brown and working-class voices, are underrepresented in Richmond. I decided to run because Virginia needs leaders who put people first. So I am here to fight for affordable health care, affordable housing, good schools, clean energy, a fair economy and to make sure every voice is heard,鈥� she said. Thomas is focused on workforce development, especially expanding trade and technical education opportunities. 鈥淥ur economy and local businesses depend on a skilled workforce, and by strengthening trade education starting in middle and high school, we can give students real pathways to good-paying careers without the burden of college debt,鈥� he said.

House District 74

Where: Part of Chesterfield, all of Colonial Heights Who: Del. Mike Cherry, R-Colonial Heights, vs. Democrat Jonas Eppert

In Colonial Heights and southern Chesterfield County, , R-Colonial Heights, is challenged by Democrat . 鈥淚f re-elected to the House, I will continue focusing on three primary policy areas 鈥� lowering the cost of living, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring quality education for all students,鈥� Cherry said. He wants to repeal the car tax and says police need resources to do their jobs. He has pushed the legislation that鈥檚 enhanced state and local authority to fight human trafficking. While he鈥檚 supported increased funding for public schools in Chesterfield and Colonial Heights, he said it鈥檚 important to allow families the ability to homeschool their students and to make it easier to afford a private school of their choosing. 鈥淓lections seem to always come down to two different visions for our state. I support a vision that supports our community through educational opportunity, lower taxes and economic growth. Along with fully funding law enforcement, I believe these are the core tenets that will help families in Colonial Heights and Chesterfield,鈥� he said. Eppert said his top priority is protecting Virginia鈥檚 existing high-quality public services from the impact of federal budget cuts. 鈥淭oo many Virginians, especially the most vulnerable in our communities, rely on these services every day. We cannot allow the volatility of future federal administrations, Republican or Democrat, to determine whether our people get the support they need,鈥� he said. He said the rising cost of education has gotten out of hand and said he wants to create a fully subsidized community college system and expand union-sponsored trade school programs. Tackling the high cost of health care and housing are also priorities, he said. Cherry, an Air Force veteran, serves as a pastor. Eppert is Powhatan County鈥檚 environmental coordinator, focusing on administering the county鈥檚 erosion and sediment control program and reviewing proposed development projects for compliance with local, state and federal environmental regulations.

House District 72

Where: Western Chesterfield, all of Powhatan, Amelia and Nottoway counties Who: Del. Lee Ware, R-Powhatan, vs. Democrat Randolph Critzer

In far western Chesterfield, Powhatan, Amelia and Nottaway counties, Democrat is challenging 14-term Del. , R-Powhatan. 鈥淚 want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed, that hard work is rewarded and that government is not an impediment to success,鈥� Critzer said. 鈥淲e need to provide support and opportunity and make sure we have sufficient job training and career counseling resources. My district has a lot of rural areas, and I want to make sure we are doing what we can to support our hard-working farmers. Agriculture is the biggest private industry here, feeding Virginians and the country,鈥� Critzer said. Critzer is an attorney who lives in Midlothian. Ware said: 鈥淚 favor academic excellence, respect and financial support for law-enforcement, better road maintenance and rail services, and a cautious and cost-conscious approach to balancing demands for more electricity and care for the natural environment.鈥� He added: 鈥淓nergy needs are demanding more attention, for the data centers proliferating throughout Virginia require enormous amounts of electricity 鈥� Demands for more energy are tempting some in the legislature to seek a law that would remove from locally elected officials the decision-making authority on where and even whether to locate solar installations. I oppose this proposal.鈥� Ware is a retired teacher of history and government, dividing his career in the classroom between Powhatan High School and Blessed Sacrament Huguenot. He notes: 鈥淚 spent the final year of my career as Academic Dean of Benedictine College Preparatory.鈥�

House District 58

Where: Part of Henrico Who: Del. Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, vs. Republican Milad Mikhail

In western Henrico County, Republican is challenging , D-Henrico. Mikhail said in campaign material: 鈥淚 want safer neighborhoods, better schools, and policies that support small businesses instead of burying them in red tape. I want families to have the freedom to make their own choices without the government interfering.鈥� A co-founder of the New Life Foundation, which helps individuals recover from homelessness and addiction, he earned the Kay Coles James Award for Traditional American Values in 2024. Willett has served three terms in the House, where he鈥檚 a leader on health care issues, as chair of the Joint Commission on Health Care, the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority and the House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care. 鈥淚 have been a vocal opponent of the federal cuts to Medicaid and our hospital systems and how they鈥檒l affect constituents in my district and across the commonwealth,鈥� Willett said. 鈥淕rowing up in Prince Edward County, I know firsthand the challenges of having to drive over an hour away to see a doctor. Families are already struggling to make ends meet, and these cuts will only make it more difficult.鈥� In the two other Henrico-anchored districts, Delegates , D-Henrico, and , D-Henrico, are unopposed.

House District 59

Where: Parts of Hanover, Louisa and Henrico counties Who: Del. Buddy Fowler, R-Hanover, vs. Democrat Scott Konopasek

In a district comprising western Hanover and parts of Louisa and Henrico counties, , R-Hanover, is challenged by Democrat . Fowler, who鈥檚 served for six terms in the House, has focused much attention on hunting laws and veterans issues. Konopasek has said he is running because of 鈥渇reedoms that have been eroded by bought and paid-for politicians, a partisan judiciary, and self-serving leaders.鈥�

House District 60

Where: Parts of Hanover and New Kent counties Who: Del. Scott Wyatt, R-Hanover, vs. Democrat Andrew Ward

In the district covering the rest of Hanover and part of New Kent County, Democrat is challenging , R-Hanover. Ward says in his campaign material: 鈥淔or far too long, Hanover and the region have been represented by a party out of touch with the everyday lives of the citizens of Hanover. Our leaders have traded the needs of the working class for the desires of the rich and powerful.鈥� Wyatt, a former county supervisor, says lowering taxes and reducing regulations are key priorities, adding that he has 鈥渇ought the Democrats鈥� radical agenda, including attacks on law enforcement and our Second Amendment rights.鈥�

While the Richmond region includes the largest number of competitive House of Delegates districts, most in the area 鈥� like most in the state 鈥� are not seeing the kind of big partisan funding or heated rhetoric that the battlegrounds are.

Here鈥檚 a look at greater Richmond鈥檚 additional House contests and candidates.

House District 79

Where: Part of Richmond

Who: Del. Rae Cousins, D-Richmond, vs. Republican Kelsey Linnehan

First-term Del. , D-Richmond, and Republican are seeking to represent a district that stretches from the Pine Camp community center in the far northern reaches of the city to the area of South Richmond around the Philip Morris USA cigarette plant.

鈥淚n these very precarious economic times with looming cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP, and with prices increasing from groceries to utility bills to health care to housing, we all need to focus on fixing the economy, ensuring all families have the resources they need to care for themselves and their families,鈥� Cousins said.

She said her priorities are to strengthen public schools, to ensure access to affordable quality health care and protect the rights and freedoms of all Virginians.

鈥淚 grew up in Richmond, and, sadly, I see all around me too much evidence that too many Richmonders are not able to get ahead, not able to grow wealth, not able to afford a home and simply struggling to thrive. We need to change those circumstances, and I decided I needed to step up and do my part,鈥� she said.

Linnehan said she wants to improve Virginia鈥檚 Freedom of Information Act, push for lower electric bills, reduce the flow of drugs and weapons into jail and to reduce sewage spills into the James River.

Linnehan also calls for repealing the car tax, meals tax and plastic bag tax.

鈥淚 am running as a Republican in a heavily blue district. 鈥� I have to respect that,鈥� she said. 鈥淎t the same time, I believe the day-to-day issues of Richmonders transcend party politics.鈥�

Cousins is a lawyer. Linnehan is a retired litigator who focused on international trade and now is homeschooling her four children.

House District 78

Where: Part of Richmond

Who: Del. Betsy Carr, D-Richmond, vs. Republican Rich Prado

In the western reaches of the city, D-Richmond, is facing a challenge from Republican .

She鈥檚 a 15-year veteran of the House of Delegates, who previously served on the city School Board.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, she鈥檚 pushed for funding for public schools, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as rebuilding Fox Elementary and modernizing schools. She鈥檚 backed measures to ensure access to abortion and to address gun violence.

Prado鈥檚 campaign material argues that 鈥淣obody should be working in elected positions for decades or well past retirement age.鈥�

He calls for lower taxes, fewer regulations and argues that increased school funding won鈥檛 improve student performance.

House District 77

Where: Parts of Richmond and Chesterfield County

Who: Del. Mike Jones, D-Richmond, vs. Republican Richard Stonage

To the south, and stretching into northern Chesterfield, , D-Richmond, faces a challenge from Republican .

鈥淭he cost of living continues to escalate, leaving too many families unable to afford essentials and pay their bills,鈥� Jones said.

He鈥檚 focused on the rising cost of housing, health care and food.

A member of Richmond City Council from 2015 until his election to the House in 2023, Jones said, 鈥淚 realized I could have a stronger impact for the area in the General Assembly,鈥� where he鈥檚 argued for more photo speed monitoring devices as part of a longstanding campaign to cut fatal accidents in the district鈥檚 Hull Street corridor. He also tapped his experience as captain of the University of Colorado football team to enact guidelines to prevent student athletes鈥� heat exhaustion.

鈥淭he General Assembly, with the governor, determines the state budget and, frankly, for our localities to address many of their problems, from infrastructure to schools, they need additional resources,鈥� he said.

Stonage wants to prioritize 鈥渃ontrolling the size and reach of government that will result in lower taxes and more liberty for Virginians to prosper while ensuring the rightful government duties are effective and efficient.鈥�

A top concern is addressing the city鈥檚 water utility problems.

Stonage also calls for supporting law enforcement agencies and the state鈥檚 right-to-work law barring compulsory union membership.

He opposes electric vehicle mandates and clean energy legislation and allowing transgender girls and women to use female bathrooms and locker rooms.

He supports making it easier for students to attend private, trade and special schools.

Jones is a pastor, Stonage is an engineer.

House District 76

Where: Northern Chesterfield

Who: Del. Debra Gardner, D-Chesterfield, vs. Republican John Thomas

Also in northern Chesterfield, first-term Del. D-Chesterfield, is challenged by Republican .

Affordable housing is her top issue, and she argues for funding to reduce homelessness and expand rental assistance programs in high-cost areas.

鈥淭oo many voices, especially Black, brown and working-class voices, are underrepresented in Richmond. I decided to run because Virginia needs leaders who put people first. So I am here to fight for affordable health care, affordable housing, good schools, clean energy, a fair economy and to make sure every voice is heard,鈥� she said.

Thomas is focused on workforce development, especially expanding trade and technical education opportunities.

鈥淥ur economy and local businesses depend on a skilled workforce, and by strengthening trade education starting in middle and high school, we can give students real pathways to good-paying careers without the burden of college debt,鈥� he said.

House District 74

Where: Part of Chesterfield, all of Colonial Heights

Who: Del. Mike Cherry, R-Colonial Heights, vs. Democrat Jonas Eppert

In Colonial Heights and southern Chesterfield County, , R-Colonial Heights, is challenged by Democrat .

鈥淚f re-elected to the House, I will continue focusing on three primary policy areas 鈥� lowering the cost of living, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring quality education for all students,鈥� Cherry said.

He wants to repeal the car tax and says police need resources to do their jobs. He has pushed the legislation that鈥檚 enhanced state and local authority to fight human trafficking. While he鈥檚 supported increased funding for public schools in Chesterfield and Colonial Heights, he said it鈥檚 important to allow families the ability to homeschool their students and to make it easier to afford a private school of their choosing.

鈥淓lections seem to always come down to two different visions for our state. I support a vision that supports our community through educational opportunity, lower taxes and economic growth. Along with fully funding law enforcement, I believe these are the core tenets that will help families in Colonial Heights and Chesterfield,鈥� he said.

Eppert said his top priority is protecting Virginia鈥檚 existing high-quality public services from the impact of federal budget cuts.

鈥淭oo many Virginians, especially the most vulnerable in our communities, rely on these services every day. We cannot allow the volatility of future federal administrations, Republican or Democrat, to determine whether our people get the support they need,鈥� he said.

He said the rising cost of education has gotten out of hand and said he wants to create a fully subsidized community college system and expand union-sponsored trade school programs. Tackling the high cost of health care and housing are also priorities, he said.

Cherry, an Air Force veteran, serves as a pastor. Eppert is Powhatan County鈥檚 environmental coordinator, focusing on administering the county鈥檚 erosion and sediment control program and reviewing proposed development projects for compliance with local, state and federal environmental regulations.

House District 72

Where: Western Chesterfield, all of Powhatan, Amelia and Nottoway counties

Who: Del. Lee Ware, R-Powhatan, vs. Democrat Randolph Critzer

In far western Chesterfield, Powhatan, Amelia and Nottaway counties, Democrat is challenging 14-term Del. , R-Powhatan.

鈥淚 want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed, that hard work is rewarded and that government is not an impediment to success,鈥� Critzer said.

鈥淲e need to provide support and opportunity and make sure we have sufficient job training and career counseling resources. My district has a lot of rural areas, and I want to make sure we are doing what we can to support our hard-working farmers. Agriculture is the biggest private industry here, feeding Virginians and the country,鈥� Critzer said.

Critzer is an attorney who lives in Midlothian.

Ware said: 鈥淚 favor academic excellence, respect and financial support for law-enforcement, better road maintenance and rail services, and a cautious and cost-conscious approach to balancing demands for more electricity and care for the natural environment.鈥�

He added: 鈥淓nergy needs are demanding more attention, for the data centers proliferating throughout Virginia require enormous amounts of electricity 鈥� Demands for more energy are tempting some in the legislature to seek a law that would remove from locally elected officials the decision-making authority on where and even whether to locate solar installations. I oppose this proposal.鈥�

Ware is a retired teacher of history and government, dividing his career in the classroom between Powhatan High School and Blessed Sacrament Huguenot. He notes: 鈥淚 spent the final year of my career as Academic Dean of Benedictine College Preparatory.鈥�

House District 58

Where: Part of Henrico

Who: Del. Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, vs. Republican Milad Mikhail

In western Henrico County, Republican is challenging , D-Henrico.

Mikhail said in campaign material: 鈥淚 want safer neighborhoods, better schools, and policies that support small businesses instead of burying them in red tape. I want families to have the freedom to make their own choices without the government interfering.鈥�

A co-founder of the New Life Foundation, which helps individuals recover from homelessness and addiction, he earned the Kay Coles James Award for Traditional American Values in 2024.

Willett has served three terms in the House, where he鈥檚 a leader on health care issues, as chair of the Joint Commission on Health Care, the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority and the House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care.

鈥淚 have been a vocal opponent of the federal cuts to Medicaid and our hospital systems and how they鈥檒l affect constituents in my district and across the commonwealth,鈥� Willett said. 鈥淕rowing up in Prince Edward County, I know firsthand the challenges of having to drive over an hour away to see a doctor. Families are already struggling to make ends meet, and these cuts will only make it more difficult.鈥�

In the two other Henrico-anchored districts, Delegates , D-Henrico, and , D-Henrico, are unopposed.

House District 59

Where: Parts of Hanover, Louisa and Henrico counties

Who: Del. Buddy Fowler, R-Hanover, vs. Democrat Scott Konopasek

In a district comprising western Hanover and parts of Louisa and Henrico counties, , R-Hanover, is challenged by Democrat .

Fowler, who鈥檚 served for six terms in the House, has focused much attention on hunting laws and veterans issues. Konopasek has said he is running because of 鈥渇reedoms that have been eroded by bought and paid-for politicians, a partisan judiciary, and self-serving leaders.鈥�

House District 60

Where: Parts of Hanover and New Kent counties

Who: Del. Scott Wyatt, R-Hanover, vs. Democrat Andrew Ward

In the district covering the rest of Hanover and part of New Kent County, Democrat is challenging , R-Hanover.

Ward says in his campaign material: 鈥淔or far too long, Hanover and the region have been represented by a party out of touch with the everyday lives of the citizens of Hanover. Our leaders have traded the needs of the working class for the desires of the rich and powerful.鈥�

Wyatt, a former county supervisor, says lowering taxes and reducing regulations are key priorities, adding that he has 鈥渇ought the Democrats鈥� radical agenda, including attacks on law enforcement and our Second Amendment rights.鈥�