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The Governor's Summit on Rural Prosperity, sponsored by the Virginia Rural Center, convened last month at Fort Barfoot with more than 200 people in attendance. I was proud to participate as part of a panel discussion on "Unlocking Innovation in Rural Virginia." Our Southside area is indeed poised for innovation. All around us, you can feel the energy and excitement.
Kristie Helmick Proctor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Center, is well acquainted with the advantages of rural living. She particularly enjoys the open spaces, family ties, and hometown pride. She says, "There is no place I'd rather live, work, and play than in a rural area. As a mom of three young kids, I feel so blessed to raise my children in rural Virginia."
Beyond the personal benefits, Helmick Proctor emphasizes the importance of rural areas for the Commonwealth's wellbeing. "If you enjoy eating food, you have likely benefited from one of rural Virginia's beautiful farms. Additionally, enjoyable recreational activities and some of the greatest memories made by families happen in rural Virginia.
Education plays an important role in sustaining rural communities. Helmick Proctor explains, "If we want to retain our best and brightest in rural Virginia, education will remain a critical tool. Whether it be learning a trade, acquiring a college degree, or obtaining an advanced degree, we need to have opportunities for folks to thrive in their rural communities."
Chandler Vaughan, who serves as the Virginia Rural Center's Leadership and Policy Adviser, also notes the benefits of growing up in a rural area. "Being from a rural region often means having a get-it-done attitude."
According to Vaughan, the most under-utilized resources in rural communities are the people who live there. "There is so much talent and drive with professionals and young people from rural communities. We can harness that potential by creating jobs and economic development opportunities in rural Virginia." He explains that rural leaders can develop their skills by participating in the annual Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (cfrv.org/vrli).
The conference's keynote address was delivered by Virginia's Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. She called for increased broadband infrastructure to attract businesses and remote workers, an invigorated focus on energy availability to support military installations and data centers, and continued innovations in the digital resources required to sustain progress.
Many participants commented on the vital role that public/private partnerships play throughout the region. One of the best examples is SVCC's Power Line Worker Program, which was developed in collaboration with electric cooperatives and public agencies. The program is six years old and has produced more than 500 graduates, who currently work for more than 50 companies. Other examples include our programs that train commercial truck drivers, diesel repair technicians, welders, and HVAC/Electrical Technicians. These hands-on programs are so successful that employers often visit our classrooms to hire prospective graduates. In fact, statistics show that 88% of rural community college graduates stay in that college's service area.
Our rural, Southside region holds many advantages. The area's cultural heritage, historic sites, unique small towns, and opportunities for outdoor recreation help draw attention, but its sense of community is what forms the most lasting impression. The people are incredible. They care about one another. Not only do they want to succeed personally, but they want to see their neighbors succeed as well.
Dr. Quentin R. Johnson is president of Southside Virginia Community College, an institution of higher learning that provides a wide variety of education opportunities to a diverse student population within a service area that spans ten counties and the City of Emporia. He can be reached via email at quentin.johnson@southside.edu.
KENBRIDGE, VA, November 21, 2023 - Benchmark Bankshares, Inc. (BMBN), the Kenbridge-based holding company for Benchmark Community Bank, has announced the pending retirement of Jay A. Stafford, President of the Company, and Chief Executive Officer of both the Company and the Bank, effective December 31, 2023. Stafford will also retire as a member of the Boards of Directors for both the Company and the Bank on that date.
E. Neil Burke, Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer of the Bank, and Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer of the Company has been appointed to succeed Stafford. Burke joined Benchmark in 1999 as a Branch Officer. A South Hill, Virginia, native and current resident, Burke has served in his current position since April 2017, having previously served nine years as Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer.
In September, Elizabeth T. (Beth) Beale joined Benchmark as Executive Vice President to succeed Burke as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A 26-year veteran of the financial industry, Beale most recently served since July 2019 as Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer for Old Point National Bank, headquartered in Hampton, Virginia. Additionally, Beale served 15 years as Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer for Citizens National Bank, Windsor, Virginia, prior to its 2018 acquisition by Old Point.
Beale is a Certified Public Accountant and holds her B.S. in Accounting from Elon University in North Carolina. She has been a member of the Virginia Bankers Association's CFO Committee since 2010 and served as past Chair. Beale also serves on the board of the Virginia Bankers Association Benefits Corporation.
Of Stafford’s service, Ernest R. Lail, Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank said, “Jay has been an inspiring leader for Benchmark. Since he took the helm in the spring of 2017, the Bank’s asset size has almost doubled. Significant growth of this type comes with hard work and a clear strategy. Jay’s work along with the entire staff of the Bank during these years including the pandemic has been exceptional. His close working relationship with Neil and the management team cultivated a business model that carefully balanced the deposit and loan growth to put the bank in a position of strength. Jay can be proud of what the bank has accomplished under his leadership.”
“It has been an honor to have spent my entire banking career at Benchmark Community Bank,” Stafford said. “I’ve had a truly fortunate and unique experience of working for one bank for over 35 years. I take pride in having been part of Benchmark’s growth and consistently strong financial performance, while contributing to growing a bank from two branches with $30MM in assets to seventeen branches with over $1B in assets.
But what I value most is the impact and importance of an independent community bank in the communities we serve and the relationships and friendships I established during this time. I have no doubt Neil will do an excellent job as my successor.”
Neil Burke received his undergraduate education from Bridgewater College where he graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In 2001, he received his Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University, before completing the American Banking Association’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking in 2004. In 2006, he completed the University of South Carolina’s Graduate School of Bank Investments and Financial Management program.
On behalf of Benchmark, Burke serves on the Virginia Bankers Association’s CFO Committee, presiding as Chair since 2021. He is also currently serving on the GO Virginia Region 3 Project Review Committee.
“We are pleased that Neil has agreed to succeed Jay,” Lail continued. “Neil has a deep knowledge and understanding of the Bank. This combined with his financial insight, positions Benchmark well for the future. As they have for the past twenty years, Jay and Neil have been working over the past months to affect a seamless transition. The Board of Directors looks forward to working with Neil and his team to continue the success Benchmark has enjoyed.”
Of his appointment, Burke said, “I am so appreciative to the Board of Directors for this opportunity and to Jay for his mentorship over the years. The banking industry has changed significantly in the past 20 years, and I look forward to working with our customers and employees to incorporate time-tested financial practices with innovative technology that allows us to better serve our markets while staying true to who we are as a traditional community bank.”
A newcomer to the Benchmark family, Beale shared the unforeseen circumstances that led to the opportunity for her to join the organization.
“I’ve known Neil for a long time as counterparts on VBA committees,” she said, “and, of course, knew Benchmark’s reputation as a well-run organization. I’ve worked with great financial institutions during my career, and I wasn’t actually looking when the opportunity presented itself for me to join Benchmark.”
“When I heard Jay was retiring and Neil would be moving into the President/CEO position leaving an opening for a new CFO,” she continued, “I knew the timing was something that may not come along again in the foreseeable future. After a few conversations and a visit with the core Benchmark team, I knew I had found a great fit for my professional and personal objectives. I’m looking forward to my future at Benchmark.”
About Benchmark Bankshares, Inc. -Benchmark Community Bank, founded in 1971, is headquartered in Kenbridge, VA. It is the company's sole subsidiary which operates seventeen banking offices throughout central Southside Virginia and northern North Carolina. The common stock of Benchmark Bankshares, Inc. trades on the OTC Pink marketplace under the symbol BMBN. Any stockbroker can assist with purchases of the company's stock, as well as with sales of holdings. Additional information is available at the company’s website, www.BCBonline.com.
Aberdour Presbyterian Church Cemetery
702 Allen Rd
Jarratt, VA 23867
Gary McDowell Rae, 55, of Emporia, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Rae and a brother, Gage Rae.
Gary is survived by his son, Dalton McDowell Rae; mother, Janice Drexler and stepfather, David Drexler; two brothers, Joseph Drexler (Megan) and Todd Drexler (Shanda) and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held graveside 2 p.m. Saturday, November 25 at Aberdour Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas for these committee members who make important decisions about how Federal farm programs are administered locally. Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots postmarked by Dec. 4, 2023, for those ballots to be counted.
“County committees provide an opportunity for producers to play a meaningful role in delivering farm programs. In order for county committees to be effective, they must truly represent all who are producing,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Voting in these elections is your opportunity to help ensure our county committees reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. If you receive a ballot in the mail, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to cast your vote, drop it in the mail or return it to your local office. Your voice and vote matter.”
Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits. Additionally, producers who are not of legal voting age, but supervise and conduct farming operations for an entire farm, are eligible to vote in these elections.
For purposes of FSA county committee elections, every member of an American Indian Tribe is considered an agricultural landowner if the land on which the tribal member’s voting eligibility is based is tribally owned or held in trust by the U.S. for the Tribe, even if the individual does not personally produce a crop on that land. Tribal agricultural landowners 18 years and older can contact their local FSA county office to register to vote.
Each committee has from three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms, and at least one seat representing a Local Administrative Area is up for election each year. Committee members help ensure inclusive representation on committees and equitable administration of FSA farm programs in their jurisdiction. Based on stakeholder feedback, over the past year FSA has worked to reimagine county committees to be more diverse and more representative of the communities they serve. Some efforts include the Secretarial appointment of 93 minority members to committees lacking adequate representation and the digitization of maps for producers to easily identify their Local Administrative Area. This tool can be found at fsa.usda.gov/elections.
Ballots must be postmarked or delivered in person by close of business Dec. 4, 2023, to be counted. Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2024. Producers can find out if their Local Administrative Area is up for election and if they are eligible to vote by contacting their local FSA county office. Eligible voters who do not receive a ballot in the mail can request one from their local FSA county office.
Urban County Committees
Urban county committees have or will be established in 27 cities to strengthen administration of FSA programs in urban areas. Urban committee members are nominated and elected to serve by local urban producers in the same jurisdiction. Committee members will provide outreach to ensure urban producers understand USDA programs, serve as the voice of other urban producers and assist in program implementation that support the needs of the growing urban community.
A list of the 27 cities with urban county committees can be found at fsa.usda.gov/elections. While most of the urban locations will be holding elections this year, some will follow a unique election schedule that will be announced in the future. Urban producers in these areas can contact their local FSA office now to register as an eligible voter and learn more.
More Information
Visit fsa.usda.gov/elections for more information on county committee elections.
To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or their Urban Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. Producers who don’t have an account can sign up today.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America and committing to equity across the department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
The Brunswick Academy Varsity Football are State Championship Bound this past Saturday, November 11th! The Vikings will travel to Dinwiddie Sports Complex to take on Broadwater Academy. The Vikings are still ranked Number 1 in the Virginia Independent School Football League- 8 man, with a 12-0 record. They are having a perfect season!
On Saturday October 28th the Vikings hosted Broadwater Academy and recognized the fall Senior Athletes on the Dennis A. Moore Football Field. The Vikings dominated the football field and defeated the Vikings 56-6. The stats from the game are the following: Demarion Whitfield-Smith had 8 rushes for a total of 134 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 touchdown reception of 55 yards. Brendan Holloway had 3 rushes for 30 yards and 1 touchdown pass for 55 yards. JP Powell had 8 rushes for 126 yards and 4 touchdowns. Chris Parrish had 1 rush for 30 yards, 2 interceptions and returned 1 interception for a touchdown. Chris Parrish also had 5 tackles and his brother Nick Parrish had 10 tackles.
The Vikings hosted 2023 VISFL State Semifinal Playoff game on November 2nd against rivals Kenston Forest School. The Vikings crushed the Kavaliers with a 84-14 victory! The stats from the game are the following: JP Powell had 13 rushes for a total of 331 yards and 6 touchdowns. Jamir Brown had 2 rushes for a total of 21 yards. Demarion Whitfield-Smith had 6 rushes for 88 yards and 3 touchdowns. Carter Early was 12 for 12 on Extra Point kicks. Jordan Jackson had 2 interceptions and Ashton Jackson had 1 interception. Marvin Williams and Hunter Little each had a touchdown on a blocked punt. Chris Parrish had 11 tackles, Nick Parrish had 10 tackles, Carter Early had 4 tackles and Nathan Talbert had 4 tackles.
RICHMOND, Va. -- Abortion polled as a top election issue in Virginia and likely propelled victories on Tuesday across several states.
Democrats attributed takeover of the state General Assembly to their defense of abortion rights. They campaigned against the Republican Party's view of abortion access as too restrictive and out of step with Virginia citizens.
Democrats retained control in the Senate with a narrow 21-19 majority, and barely flipped the House of Delegates. They currently sit at a 51-48 majority, with one undeclared race that shows the Republican candidate in the lead. The lead hinges on approximately 200 votes, as of Friday afternoon.
Del. Schuyler VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, won his Senate District 16 race against incumbent Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, R-Henrico. He was also one of four candidates to beat an incumbent; two in the Senate and two in the House.
VanValkenburg's victory was one of the most decisive for Democrats among districts seen as competitive. He attributed this to voter fear of the Republican agenda surrounding reproductive rights.
"I think one is that people were afraid that if Republicans gained control, they were going to take away women's rights," VanValkenburg said. "I think abortion access was of course a huge issue during our race and across the state."
Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, said Dunnavant's views on abortion access cost her.
"It is a district that has always favored a woman's ability to make their own health care decisions," Surovell said. "Dunnavant's views were out of step with the voters of that district."
Dunnavant's new redistricted constituency also had a more Democratic lean. The senator voted against a 15-week ban earlier in the year, because it did not have exceptions for the mother.
Abortion has been a source of conflict between the two parties, according to former Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.
"They obviously think that they can make some inroads by arguing that Republicans want to ban abortion," Bolling said.
Republicans ran on central issues such as crime and safety, the economy and parents' rights. They presented their position on abortion as a reasonable compromise, with mostly unified messaging around a 15-week limit. They portrayed Democrats as radicals when accused of wanting to ban abortion.
The position of the Virginia Republican Party is clear and reasonable, according to Ken Nunnenkamp, executive director of the Republican Party of Virginia.
"I think Gov. Youngkin has been pretty straightforward, and the Republican legislature has also been pretty straightforward, as have all of our candidates," Nunnenkamp said in an interview before the election. "That is what we support, 15 weeks."
The Republican position included three exceptions: rape, incest, and threat to health of the mother, Nunnenkamp said.
"Unrestricted abortions up until the moment of birth in our opinion is an extremist view," Nunnenkamp said. "Fifteen weeks with the three exceptions is not an extremist view."
Democrats argued their position is the more moderate one because they want to keep the current law in place.
"It does make sure that women have the right to choose," said Shyam Raman, executive director of the Virginia Democratic Party.
Virginia currently has a restriction in place after the first trimester of pregnancy that the procedure must be performed in a state-licensed hospital. The abortion can only be performed after the second trimester if the pregnancy would result in death or impairment of mental or physical health of the mother, and three physicians must agree. Life support measures must also be in place and utilized if there is any evidence of viability.
Twenty-one U.S. states now either have an abortion ban or restrict the procedure earlier in pregnancy than the constitutional standard established decades ago by Roe v. Wade, according to the New York Times. The U.S. Supreme Court removed the reproductive protections last year in its Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling and granted states the power to decide.
"We are seeing it in real time, being removed as a right that women in this country have held for for over 50 years," Raman said.
Voters have lost trust in Republicans, because they have previously pushed for more restrictions than they said they would, according to Raman.
"When Susan Collins voted for Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, it was, 'don't worry, they'll never overturn Roe,'" Raman said. "They promised."
The Republican position was not as moderate a compromise as presented, according to Amanda Wintersieck. She is an associate professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, who studies political behavior and communication.
"Fifteen weeks is frankly not enough time for most women," Wintersieck said. "To both know that they're pregnant, to make the determination that is their choice between themselves and their doctor that is best for them, and to find the resources."
Infant mortality rates increased for the first time in 20 years, according to a November report from the National Center for Health Statistics.
"For the first time in decades, maternal mortality and infant mortality are up in America," Wintersieck said. "I think it's going to be pretty clear as we move forward that the Dobbs decision is directly linked to those poor health outcomes for new mothers and their babies."
The abortion access debate encouraged turnout, not just in Virginia but nationwide, according to Wintersieck.
"If we look at the last couple rounds of elections, it has been a major motivator for people turning out to vote," Wintersieck said. "It's been a major motivator for young people turning out to vote."
Ohio voters also took to the polls Tuesday in emphatic support for an amendment to the state constitution to protect abortion access and other reproductive decisions. The amendment takes effect 30 days after the election.
Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was reelected to his second term, after successfully pressing against his opponent's anti-abortion stance. Abortion is illegal in Kentucky, except in cases to save a mother's life.
Unofficial statewide turnout numbers from Wednesday indicate more than 39% of voters cast ballots in General Assembly races, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Turnout ranged from 21% to more than 56% within House and Senate districts. VPAP has a visualization by district, here.
That would put overall turnout near the 42% mark from last time all seats in the General Assembly were up for election in 2019. Localities will certify election results by Nov. 14 and the State Board of Election will certify the election on Dec. 4.
Democrats celebrated incoming results at a watch party on election night. They hoisted blue bricks and celebrated building a "brick House" to match the "brick wall" that the Senate Democrats used the past two years to deflect Republican policy.
At the end of the night, Del. Don Scott D-Portsmouth, who is poised to become the next House speaker, reiterated that voters supported abortion access.
"I think the No.1 thing is that they rejected the extremism of trying to tell women what to do with their bodies," Scott said.
Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, tied the issue of abortion access to freedom. Democrats won key races because voters want people who will fight for their freedom, he said.
"Our freedoms are on the line," Helmer said. "Our democracy is on the line. It's so important we have people who will fight for our freedom and Virginians see that."
In his victory speech, VanValkenburg added that the election results were a sign voters want progress to continue.
"They want us to focus on the things that matter, whether it's their kids' schools, whether its bringing down health care costs, creating a dynamic economy, protecting our environment, trying to reduce gun violence, and they certainly don't want us taking away women's rights," VanValkenburg said.
W. David McPherson, Sr., 69, of Emporia, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Rosa McPherson; daughter, Laura Russo; sons, David McPherson, Jr. (Bridget) and Wayne McPherson (Krystal Arnold); nine grandchildren, Joseph Russo, Alyssa McPherson, Zamari Turner, Noah McPherson, Marek Bates, Dylan Diehm McPherson, Elijah McPherson, Kellan Arnold and Willow McPherson; five great-grandchildren, Zayd, Jodecy, Paris, Naomi and Nylah; five sisters, Marie Webber, Dawn Martz (Brian), Debbie Kay Divers, Darlene Macintosh, BettyJo McPherson and her son, Billy Joe McPherson; a brother, Johnny McPherson (Nit) and many special nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 14 at Zion Baptist Church, 974 Zion Church Rd, Emporia, VA 23847.
RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Democrats maintained control of the Senate and narrowly took control of the House on Tuesday, in a contest some consider a mid-point evaluation of the governor's leadership and influence.
All 140 seats in the General Assembly were up for election, with many new contestants due to redistricting. The previous majorities in both legislative bodies were narrow and remain tight still.
Democrats kept their 21-19 majority in the Senate. They flipped the House, but one race could hinge on mail-in votes, and the Democrat has not conceded. Their new majority will closely mirror the hold Republicans had, and currently sits at 51-48 until the final race is declared.
This is the largest group of women of color to be elected to the state legislature, according to political advocacy group Care in Action.
Del. Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, will serve as Virginia's first Black House Majority Leader.Virginians are ready to "move on," he said, speaking to the significance of his historic appointment in the "oldest continuous democracy" in the U.S.
"To see that this will be the first time that a Black person holds the gavel in the House of Delegates and it would be me? It's an honor," Scott said. "All of the commonwealth of Virginia, whether you're Republican or Democrat, can be proud of this day."
Democrats hoisted blue bricks at the victory party and thanked voters for giving them a "brick House" and a "blue wall" to stop the momentum of Republican policy, a reference to the "brick wall" often used by Senate lawmakers the past two years.
The campaign efforts of Gov. Glenn Youngkin and state Republicans were substantial but ultimately "rejected" by voters, according to a press release from the Democratic Party of Virginia.
Democrats reclaimed the majority they lost two years ago, but now under a Republican governor. Democrats could struggle to get the constitutional two-thirds majority needed to overturn a veto, meaning their legislative ability could be impacted.
Youngkin expressed optimism at a press conference Wednesday about working with what he described as a "pretty bipartisan-looking" General Assembly, but said legislators need to be dedicated to cooperation.
Senate Republicans celebrated holding 19 seats, and the new freshman senators added to their ranks.
"We had so many partners who aided this effort, which was driven by strong nominees," stated Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, in a press release. They said Youngkin was an "outstanding team leader" in the effort.
The caucus lamented the loss of Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant, R-Henrico, and recognized her "leadership, strength, resolve, and selflessness."
Dunnavant's opponent, Schuyler VanValkenburg, won by just over 7,000 votes. He now moves from the lower chamber, where he represented Henrico as a delegate, into a four-year Senate term. VanValkenburg pointed to the victory as a "sign of social progress to continue," and shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, that his first act as senator will be to advance legislation on the safe storage of firearms – something that failed to pass last session.
"Henrico County shows up," VanValkenburg said in his victory speech Tuesday. "People come up, they roll up their sleeves, they put a smile on their face and they talk about the things that matter. Because of that, people show up to vote, and we win elections."
Nearly 800,000 votes were cast during the early voting period, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. This marks a decrease in early voter participation compared to previous years. Final turnout numbers will not be available until after the election results have been certified, according to the Virginia Department of Elections.
Del. Kim Taylor, R-Petersburg, announced victory, though her Democratic opponent Kimberly Pope Adams said the race is "too close to call." The 173-vote margin is too narrow, according to Adams, and there are still mail-in votes to count.
Republican Danny Diggs announced victory over Sen. Monty Mason, D-Williamsburg, in the Senate District 24 race. Mason had not conceded as of Tuesday night, with a 1,022-vote difference.
Such tight margins were seen across several other races. This shows how important it is for voters to turn out.
"If you don't wanna vote for yourself, vote for your children," said Chesterfield County voter Patricia Ighodalo. "They're your future. And if we wanna make a difference in our future, we have to vote."
Republican early voter participation increased compared to previous years, according to VPAP data, possibly after a hearty endorsement from the governor that included a statewide bus tour. Democrats still cast more early votes this year.
"Sometimes people don't vote, thinking that nothing's going to change," said Stafford County voter Carrie Schaefer. "When we do come out in large numbers, things can happen."
The last full General Assembly election in 2019 saw the highest turnout for statehouse elections this century, with over 42% of all Virginia voters taking part.
"People died for this privilege and right to vote," said Petersburg voter Polina Norman, who grew up during the Civil Rights Movement. She was up early Tuesday morning "bugging" her neighbors to go vote.
Chesterfield County voter Kirk Johnson said his parents paid a poll tax, which makes him value his ability to vote.
"All I have to do is come up here," he said.
Elected officials have substantial decision-making power that influence everyday life, though turnout rarely matches the impact.
"It doesn't matter whether it's a presidential election or whether it's a local election," said Chesterfield County voter Marlene Wheelhouse. "It's important to vote at all."
A lot of the races were predictable. There were only 11 races ranked as competitive – four Senate and seven House – and a handful of closely watched suburban races where turnout mattered. Competition is a positive for the state, said Alex Keena, an associate professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University.
The majority of Southern states lack the same competitiveness, according to Keena.
"Virginia isn't as polarized as other states where Democrats and Republicans can't really work together," Keena said, cautiously optimistic for bipartisan progress.
However, a Democratic majority in the legislature could prove troublesome for Youngkin's future political odds.
"There isn't a lot of appetite for Youngkin outside of Virginia," Keena said, despite high in-state approval rates.
Democrats saw their victory as a voter resistance against an abortion ban, and a win against Republican efforts to roll back some recent laws. Virginia is the only Southern state that hasn't implemented new abortion restrictions after the overturn of Roe v. Wade.
"The number one thing is that [voters] rejected the extremism of trying to tell women what to do with their bodies," Scott said.
Republican lawmakers "stand ready" to oppose Democrats despite their new majority, according to McDougle.
"[We will] promote our positive agenda of fighting inflation, lowering taxes, supporting law enforcement, and getting energy prices under control," McDougle stated. "We will also stand strong against the Democrats' extreme progressive agenda."
Pundits believe Virginia is a bellwether state and the election results could portend the lean of the 2024 presidential election.
Virginians were not just casting ballots for legislators this cycle. Voters made big decisions on referendums such as the Richmond casino, which failed for a second time and on a larger margin.
"We are proud to have run a community-centered campaign to create more opportunities for residents of this great city to rise into the middle class," organizers Richmond Wins, Vote Yes stated in a press release.
Additionally, Hanover County voters rejected a contested measure that would have allowed them to elect their school board leaders, with 52% of the vote. Gloucester County voters struck down a 2-cent per $100 assessed real estate tax that would have funded capital projects such as a fire station and renovation of school buildings.
