VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia’s 2023 General Election is November 7, and all 140 seats in the state’s General Assembly are up for grabs.
This is also Virginia’s first election since legislative district maps were redrawn using 2020 census data — so most voters will be in new Senate and House of Delegates districts.
The newly drawn Senate District 22 covers central and southwest Virginia Beach from Town Center to Stumpy Lake. The incumbent candidate, Democrat Senator Aaron Rouse, is facing off against Republican Kevin Adams — again.
Senator Rouse defeated Adams in the District 7 Special Election this past January by a few hundred votes and flipped the seat from Republican to Democrat. He told 13News Now that he has more work to do.
VOTER GUIDE: Virginia's 2023 elections are coming up. Here's a look at races, candidates, voter registration info and more.
“The job isn’t done,” Rouse said. “I think the voters elected me back in the special election in January, they made their voices loud and clear, in a Republican leaning district.”
But Adams said he’s ready for the rematch.
“I have some experience now,” Adams said. “I think that people have found that I am sincere in what I’m saying that I am going to do."
Rouse has always called Virginia Beach home. He’s a former NFL player and Virginia Beach City Councilman. He said finding tax relief for families is a big priority for him.
“Trying to make sure people don’t have to choose between affordable healthcare and rent and putting food on the table,” he said.
Rouse is also focused on protecting abortion rights and building up the education system.
“We have to make sure to do our part not only to retain teachers, but continuously build and modernize our schools and make sure teacher salaries are at a level they are supposed to be,” Sen. Rouse said.
Adams is a retired U.S. Navy Lt. Commander turned small business owner. He said public safety is one of his priorities.
“We have to get businesses to come here, and when crime is high, that is going to be hard,” Adams said.
Adams said he is pro-life but believes in providing reasonable exceptions for mothers. He’s also focused on growing the economy.
“I want to help bring industries here so we can get people back to work," Adams said. "There is so much homelessness around and people out of work, you know, get them into jobs where they can really support their families.”
Both candidates hope to score your vote come November 7.
“Come out in droves and let’s get this race across the finish line so I can serve you in Richmond in November,” Adams said.
“I will continue to be a good steward of your trust, a good steward of your dollars and make sure we build an economy and environment and society that works for everyone,” Rouse said.
If you want to find out what your voting district is you can get that information here on the Department of Elections Website.