Incumbent Republicans Ellen Campbell and Chris Runion won their races Tuesday in the Shenandoah Valley’s 35th and 36th House races.
In District 36, which includes Staunton, Waynesboro, and parts of Augusta and Rockbridge counties, Campbell won with 59.1% of the vote, with 21,009 ballots cast in her favor. Democratic challenger Makayla Venable received 40.8%, with 14,513 votes.
In neighboring District 35, which covers Bath and Highland counties and parts of Augusta and Rockingham counties, Runion received 72.7% of the vote, with 27,135 ballots cast in his favor. Democratic challenger Jena Crisler earned 27.2%, with 10,133 votes.
Both Campbell and Runion campaigned on housing affordability, keeping energy costs low and growing the workforce in their respective districts — matters that have dominated Virginia politics in recent years.
Campbell has represented the 36th District since 2022, when she succeeded her late husband Ronnie Campbell. She has called for cutting red tape in housing development and giving localities more control over zoning decisions. She also has voiced concern about the influence of large data centers on Virginia’s energy demand.
Runion is a Rockingham County native and small business owner. He has argued that reducing regulation and reassessing the state’s clean energy mandates will help lower costs for all residents.
Both lawmakers have said they want to strengthen the valley’s economy and preserve its rural character while creating opportunities for younger workers to stay in the region.
Source: www.dailyprogress.com