SUFFOLK, Va. — Election Day is November 7, and early voting is already underway. This year, all 140 seats in the Virginia General Assembly are up for grabs, and it's Virginia’s first election since legislative district maps were redrawn using 2020 census data.
In the newly-drawn House of Delegates District 89, Democrat Karen Jenkins and Republican Baxter Ennis are on the ballot, vying to represent parts of Chesapeake and Suffolk.
Jenkins, a Suffolk native and current Suffolk School Board member on her second term, is running for the 89th House District seat.
"I am a mental health professional, been one for over a decade, working inside the school systems as well as in the community," she said.
Jenkins touted a "proven track record," and said she comes from a service-oriented family and upbringing.
"I'm passionate about seeing the good and helping people bring out the good in them and advocating for the people who can't advocate for themselves," Jenkins said.
VOTER GUIDE: Virginia's 2023 elections are coming up. Here's a look at races, candidates, voter registration info and more.
When asked about her top priorities if elected, she mentioned improving mental health care and services, along with education.
"I see first hand the needs," Jenkins said regarding mental health.
"Every single child deserves a world-class education. All the history, whatever, needs to be taught. We learn from our past," Jenkins said regarding education.
She said she also wants to focus on crime reduction, "There's too many children, nephews, sons, even daughters and nieces in the ground because of senseless gun violence."
Baxter Ennis, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, said he wants to continue a life of service by representing House District 89.
"Military has been a big part of my life, 21 years. But, I've been here in Chesapeake a long time," said Ennis. "I want a chance to serve this amazing Commonwealth."
Ennis described himself as a supporter of Governor Glenn Youngkin. Ennis said his top priorities, if elected, include tax reduction and relief, along with improvements to the education system.
"Our schools should be best and this district should be the best in the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth should strive to be the best in the nation," said Ennis.
He also wants to focus on helping fellow veterans.
"Veterans issues are very real to me and many people I know. I believe we owe it as a society to look after, make sure those veterans get the medical care, both mental and for physical illnesses, that they have now. Some of which incurred as a direct result of their military service," Ennis said.
Touching outside the political arena, among other roles in the community, Ennis serves with Chesapeake Hospital Authority and Jenkins serves with Virginia School Boards Association.
Both candidates say they are people of strong faith.