SUFFOLK, Va. — Initial results in the race for Virginia's newly redrawn 17th State Senate District show Republican Emily Brewer has defeated Democrat Clinton Jenkins.
The two sitting delegates grew up in the district, which spans 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.
Brewer was first elected to represent the old 64th District in the House of Delegates in 2017.
Once sworn in, Brewer said she's focused on creating opportunities and pathways to help the next generation build a life here in Hampton Roads. To accomplish this, Brewer plans to increase workforce development, including internships and financially backing 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.
Brewer has previously stated she stands with Gov. Glenn Youngkin's stance on abortion, saying she supports the common sense, 15-week limitation with exceptions.
During her campaign, Brewer told 13News Now 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.
The district has seen tight races in recent elections, with Democratic candidates typically pulling slightly higher numbers than their Republican opponents, according to the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP). In 2021, however, data shows 53.3% of the district voted for Youngkin.
13News Now is tracking election results for each district in Hampton Roads here as all 140 seats in the state's General Assembly are up for grabs this year. This is also Virginia's first election since legislative district maps were redrawn using 2020 census data.