All 100 seats in the House of Delegates are up for reelection this year, and Kamala Harris won or tied several seats that are currently held by Republicans.
VPAP provided an analysis of presidential votes cast in each of the House districts. Take a look below at the candidates running in the three most competitive seats according to that analysis.
HD-57
In HD-57, Democrats received 51% of the vote this November, but Del. David Owen (R) won this seat by two points in 2023. This district is based in Henrico County and includes a small section of Goochland County.
Owen was first elected in 2023. He works in construction.
“Active in the Richmond Home Building Association and the Home Building Association of Virginia for over 20 years, David served in various leadership roles, including President in 2021,” his campaign website states. “His extensive experience dealing with local government and advocating before the General Assembly equipped him early with a deep understanding of legislative processes and the challenges faced by businesses and individuals due to government regulations.”
Two Democrats are seeking the nomination to run against Owen, May Nivar and Andrew Schear.
Nivar served on former Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s Asian Advisory Board and works at Altria.
“As a mother of two daughters, I feel a deep responsibility to safeguard their future,” she said in her campaign announcement. “We’re at risk of losing many freedoms, particularly the ability to make decisions about our own bodies. I’m running to protect our hard-fought rights and ensure all women have access to abortion care, contraception, and IVF.”
Schear is a small business owner and YouTuber.
“I’m a small business owner (and have been for my entire career), a stay-at-home Dad, a filmmaker, a runner, a YouTuber, and a woodworker,” his website states.
Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-VA04, endorsed Nivar for the nomination.
HD-75
Voters in HD-75 voted for Democrats by eight points this November, but Del. Carrie Coyner (R) won this seat by six points in 2023. This district is in Chesterfield and includes Hopewell and part of Prince George County.
Coyner was first elected in 2019 after serving on the Chesterfield School Board.
She grew up in Chester and has served as a Board leader for the Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce, a Board leader for the Chester YMCA and on the Elizabeth Scott Elementary School PTA.
Two Democrats are seeking the nomination to run against Coyner: Stephen Miller Pitts, who ran against Coyner in 2023 and lost; and Dustin Wade.
Miller Pitts describes himself as a combat veteran, military spouse, father, educator, service-disabled small business owner and community activist.
“Stephen is a first generation college graduate and understands the importance of access to education and how it can help those who have come from humble beginnings, of being on government assistance, to being a homeowner and small business owner,” his website states.
Dustin Wade describes himself as a dedicated nurse and advocate who seeks to amplify voices, embrace diversity and address key issues.
“The campaign’s unique selling point lies in the candidate’s healthcare background and commitment to the disability community,” his website states.
HD-82
In HD-82, Democrats received 53% of the vote this November, but Del. Kim Taylor (R) won this seat by 53 votes in 2023. The race was so close that a recount was conducted.
This district is based in Petersburg and includes parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George and all of Surry.
Taylor’s 2023 opponent, Kim Pope Adams, has announced her campaign, setting up a rematch.
Pope Adams is receiving backing from prominent Democrats, including Speaker of the House Don Scott and likely gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger.
Taylor was first elected to the House in 2021.
“Kim and her husband Andrew ‘Butch’ are small business owners of three auto repair shops in Chesterfield County,” her campaign website states. “Their businesses employ 30 families and provide impeccable service to customers in the community.”
“For the past three years, I have had the distinct privilege of working on behalf of Virginia’s 82nd district,” she said in her reelection announcement. “I am proud of my record securing critical funding for infrastructure, law enforcement and our first responders, and teachers throughout our Commonwealth.”
Pope Adams grew up in Hopewell.
“After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2005, I briefly worked at a local CPA firm,” she wrote on her campaign website. “Less than one year later, intrigued by how our tax dollars are spent, I became an Auditor for the Commonwealth of Virginia. With no regrets, I have been a public servant ever since.”
“This community means everything to me, and I am running to help bring back the jobs, opportunity, and prosperity all Virginians deserve,” Pope Adams said in her campaign announcement.
Democrats believe this seat is key to expanding their majority in the House.
“Expanding our majority starts with Kimberly Pope Adams,” Speaker Scott said in a statement last year.
Pope Adams is the only Democrat seeking the nomination.
Related: Both sides are already targeting candidates in these districts with attack ads.