SUFFOLK, Va. — The Virginia general election is November 7, and 13News Now wants to help you get to know the candidates who will appear on ballots across Hampton Roads.
This year, all 140 seats in the state's General Assembly are up for election. This is also Virginia’s first election since legislative district maps were redrawn using 2020 census data — so most voters will be in a new district for both state Senate and House of Delegates since the last election.
The newly redrawn Senate District 17 includes a lot of land: all of Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Southampton County, Brunswick County, Greensville County, Franklin City, Emporia City and parts of Portsmouth, Dinwiddie County and Chesapeake.
Sitting Delegates Emily Brewer and Clinton Jenkins are facing off to represent the 17th District, where both candidates grew up. They both told 13News Now that they want to continue to represent their communities.
VOTER GUIDE: Virginia's 2023 elections are coming up. Here's a look at races, candidates, voter registration info and more.
Brewer, a Republican, currently represents the old 64th District in the House of Delegates.
During her time in office, she said she's proud to have brought broadband to her area, address human trafficking and work to overhaul foster care in the state. "JLARC did a study and we are 49th out of 50 in the country for policies, and so each year we’ve been chipping away at that," she said.
Jenkins, a Democrat, represents the old 76th District in the House of Delegates.
He says some of his biggest achievements in office have been supporting legislation to help disabled veterans with vehicle tax relief and expanding dental care for Medicaid customers. "For me that’s my crowning glory right there to make sure people have dental care, health care, period," Jenkins said.
Looking towards the future, if elected, Jenkins said he want to alleviate mental health challenges and fully fund public schools. "In addition to increasing teacher pay to the national average, we have challenges with infrastructure, school buildings," he said.
Brewer said she looks towards increasing workforce development like internships and putting more money into skilled trades. "Starting a list of things that will help keep the next generation here if they want to really is what drives me," she said.
When it comes to abortion, Brewer said she supports Governor Glenn Youngkin’s stance: "I stood in support of the Governor. I think, common sense, 15 [week] limitation with exceptions," she said.
Jenkins disagrees. He said it's none of the politicians' business. "It does not make sense for a politician to come between a person and their doctor," he said.
On the topic of Virginia leaving the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative earlier this year, they also hold opposing views.
"The best and most important path for Virginia is to truly work in state as best we can to achieve what our goals are and not be dictated by other states," said Brewer.
Jenkins said Virginia needs to rejoin to reap the benefits, like flooding mitigation resources. "Virginia must not abandon the Greenhouse gas initiative."
Gun violence is an issue that is plaguing not just Hampton Roads but the entire state and country. Jenkins said the state needs to provide more resources "so that they can provide programs and outlets in school and out of school."
Brewer said something the state already has in place to help with behavioral health is a great step: "The Governor’s plan for 'Right Help Right Now' is a large part of where we need to be," she said.
Jenkins said he wants to keep "putting the constituents first."
"I connect the dots. What I mean by that is connect the community with the resources. Different programs and businesses," he said.
Brewer said, if elected, she looks forward to continuing to advocate for her home. "I love where I’m from and I’ve put my passion to that each and every day I serve there," she said.
This is Virginia’s first election since legislative district maps were redrawn using 2020 census data.
Make sure to check your district before you head to the polls. Voters can look up what districts they're in on the Virginia Department of Elections website.