Current Position: District 37 Senator from 2010
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: Senate District 35

Dave is a progressive Democrat who supports reproductive healthcare access, gun safety, protecting our environment, a fully funded education system and child care, paid family and medical leave, juvenile justice reform, lowering the costs of prescription drugs, transportation infrastructure, and campaign finance reform.

Elected as a Democrat to the Virginia Senate in 2010 in a special election (flipping Ken Cuccinelli’s seat), Senator Marsden has earned a reputation as a hard working legislator who gets things done for Fairfax County and the Commonwealth. Before serving in the Virginia Senate, he served 4 years in the Virginia House of Delegates. Never afraid to put progress above partisanship, Senator Marsden has worked with Democrats and Republicans to pass legislation to relieve traffic congestion, improve education, and create jobs and he brings over 40 years of experience and expertise in the juvenile justice field to the legislature.

Current Position: State Senator of District 7 since 2020
Affiliation: Republican
Candidate: 2022 US Representative for District 2

Virginia onAir curators – college student interns – have summarized here the 5 competitive Virginia Senate races in the November 5, 2019 election.  In one quick glance, by each district, you see its regional location, its boundaries, the candidates, and their positions on issues. Curators also fully describe each candidate in-depth, on their profile.

To view this post, select the feature image or post title.

To view more details on each competitive district, go to a subcategory, like  Southeastern VA Senate Candidates.  To view ALL the candidates running for the 40 Senate districts, go to this slide show.

In compiling this post, we used Ned Oliver’s Virginia Mercury article as a guide. If you know of other competitive districts, we will be happy to consider them for inclusion in this post.

Curators will continue to focus on these districts and will request to video each candidate in an interview on the important issues.

Current Position: State Senator of District 35 since 1980
Affiliation: Democrat

Dick Saslaw was first elected Senator for the 35th District in 2010. The 35th District includes parts of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax County.

Senator Saslaw is Senate Majority Leader. Senator Saslaw is also Chair of the Commerce and Labor Committee and is a member of the Education and Health, Finance and Appropriations. Judiciary, and Rules committees. Senator Saslaw has helped advocate for innovative new programs like the Workforce Credentials Grant, which provides funding for workers looking for education and training in high-demand industries like cybersecurity.

Current Position: State Senator of District 18 since 1992
Affiliation: Democrat

Louise Lucas was first elected Senator for the 18th District in 1992. The 18th District includes part of the cities of  Chesapeake, Emporia, Franklin, Portsmouth, and Suffolk and parts of Brunswick, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Greensville, and Surry counties

Senator Lucas is Chair of the Education and Health Committee and a member of the Commerce and Labor, Finance and Appropriations, Judiciary, and Rules committees.

Current Position: State Senator of District 3 since 1992
Affiliation: Republican

Tommy Norment maintains an active role in the community. He is a member of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation’s Board of Directors. He is on the Hampton Roads Board of Directors of TowneBank and he chairs the Williamsburg Board of TowneBank. Tommy is also a member of the Williamsburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the James City County Ruritan Club.

Professionally, Tommy is an attorney with Kaufman and Canoles, P.C., and a professor at the College of William and Mary.

Current Position: State Senator of District 1 since 2016
Affiliation: Democrat
Former Position: State Delegate from 2013 – 2015

Senator Monty Mason proudly represents the Virginia Peninsula’s 1st State Senate district, including the City of Williamsburg and parts of Newport News, James City County, Hampton, York County and Suffolk. Monty was twice elected to the House of Delegates in the 93rd District in 2013 and 2015 before winning his race for State Senate in a special election in November of 2016.

Monty’s career in business spans more than 25 years and includes working in real estate with Land America Financial Group and the financial sector with more than a decade at VISA Inc. in fraud and risk management.

Current Position: State Senator of District 2 since 2004
Affiliation: Democrat

Mamie Locke was first elected Senator for the 2nd District in 2008. The 2nd District includes the parts of the cities Hampton, Newport News, and Portsmouth  and parts of York County.

Senator Petersen is Chair of the Rules Committee and is a member of the Education and Health, Finance and Appropriations, General Laws and Technology, and Rehabilitation and Social Services committees. Senator Locke is a Professor of Political Science, at Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia.

Current Position: Co-Founder, Pyramid Technologies, LLC
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 4 since 2006
Affiliation: Republican
Former Position: State Delegate from 2002 – 2006

As a small businessman, I understand the need to keep taxes low and minimize government spending. I will always protect your constitutional rights from government overreach. I will also support policies that expand choices for education and healthcare.

Current Position: Candidate
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 5 since 2016
Affiliation: Democrat
Former Position: State Delegate from 1994 – 2016

Lionell Spruill is a member of the Virginia Senate representing the 5th District which represents part of Chesapeake and Norfolk.  Previously, he served as the House of Delegates representative, serving since 1994.  That district covered parts of Chesapeake and Suffolk.

Senator Spruill was born in South Norfolk, on December 28, 1946.  He was one of 15 children.  He retired from Bell Atlantic as a Central Office Technician.  His educational background includes Carver High School and Norfolk State University with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

Current Position: Automotive repair professional
Affiliation: Other
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 6 since 2014
Affiliation: Democrat

Lynwood Lewis was first elected Senator for the 6h District in 2014. The 6h District includes part of the cities of Virginia Beach and Norfolk and parts of Accomack, Mathews County, and Northampton counties.

Senator Lewis is Chair of the Local Government Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Education and Health, Finance and Appropriations, and Rules committees. Senator Lewis served in the House of Delegates from 2003 to 2013.

Current Position: Owner of Blue Crab Company
Affiliation: Republican
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Delegate since 2018
Affiliation: Democrat

Current Position: State Senator of District 8 since 2016
Affiliation: Republican
Former Position: State Delegate from 2014 – 2016

Bill DeSteph is a pragmatic, compassionate veteran, entrepreneur, leader, and father, whose chosen pursuit is to serve and protect our nation’s citizens. He has devoted his entire career to assessing critical problems, devising prudent strategies, and executing innovative solutions.

As Senator representing the 8th Senate District, he brings a proven record of accountability and economic development to the Virginia General Assembly.

Current Position: Navy office and small business owner
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: Candidate
Affiliation: Libertarian
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 10
Affiliation: Democrat

Dr. Ghazala Hashmi is an experienced educator and advocate who has spent over 25 years working within Virginia’s college and university system. She currently serves as the Founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) at Reynolds Community College.

Ghazala is guided by the principles of integrity, social justice, and ethics in government in her approach to public service.

Current Position: State Senator of District 11 since 2016
Affiliation: Republican
Candidate: 2021 Governor

Senator Amanda Chase is not a politician.  She’s a mom who fights for everyone and has proven she can get things done for the people of her district.

Amanda has been a leader on government accountability in calling for a review of Economic Development Authorities in the state of Virginia and requiring localities to have their budgets approved by local board members who are elected by the people.

Current Position: Nonprofit professional and Adjunct professor of social work
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 12 since 2016
Affiliation: Republican

Since 1999, Siobhan Dunnavant has served as a well-respected OB-GYN in private practice right here in Henrico. Committed to being a citizen legislator, she continues to practice medicine full time when not in session, and sees patients twice a week and delivers babies during session.

Current Position: State Delegate of District 73 since 2018
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2020 State Senator

Current Position: Catoctin District Supervisor
Affiliation: Republican
Candidate: 2021 State Senator

Current Position: Civil Rights Advocate
Affiliation: Other
Candidate: 2021 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 14
Affiliation: Republican
Former Positions: State Delegate from 2008 – 2013; Chesapeake City Council from 2004 – 2008

A retired Naval Officer who has served many years in elected office, Senator John Cosgrove has spent his life in service to his community, state, and nation.  John was elected to the Senate in a special election in 2013 after serving four years on Chesapeake City Council followed by twelve years in the House of Delegates.

In Richmond, John has been a leader on issues related to transportation, technology, and military affairs.  John’s record of service and tireless work in his district make him an effective advocate for the needs of South Hampton Roads.

Current Position: Former loan officer
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 15 since 2000
Affiliation: Republican

Frank Ruff is a leader in reforming economic development to expand current businesses and attract new employers. He has worked with prospective job creators to encourage them to come to our region. From assistance with funding for industrial parks to enhancing tourism, from working with the Governor and local leaders to recruit new industry, to the creation of a much needed law enforcement hazardous driving school, he has been a leader in the fight for small-town communities across the Fifteenth Senate District.

Current Position: State Senator since 2014
Affiliation: Democrat

Rosalyn Dance became the first in her family to go to college. She served 34 years at Southside VA Training Center (SVTC), where she rose from a nurse’s aide to a nurse to an administrator.

In the Senate, she serves on the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources Committee, and the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee. Additionally, Rosalyn has the honor of serving on the following commissions: Chairwoman, Joint Commission on Health Care; the Health Insurance Reform Commission; the Commission on Unemployment Compensation, and the Joint Committee on Local Government Fiscal Stress.

Current Position: Elementary School Teacher, retired
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 16
Affiliation: Democrat
Former Position: State Delegate from 2008 – 2015

I’ve been working and fighting for a better Richmond since 1989, when I was elected as your Commonwealth’s Attorney and then a member of the Virginia House of Delegates.

As a delegate, I fought for Democratic Party principles, like bringing Obamacare to Virginia, improving Richmond City Schools, and helping people get their right to vote back.

Current Position: Founder, ParaLobby, LLC
Affiliation: Other
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 17 since 2012
Affiliation: Republican

“By listening and asking questions, Bryce has been able to lead by always focusing on our priorities and doing what’s right.”
“Bryce knows the best ideas – and most effective ways of creating change – come from local leaders and people all across the Commonwealth, not from the political insiders in

Current Position: Founder of Virginia’s List
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 19 since 2016
Affiliation: Republican

With nine years experience as a staffer in the General Assembly, including eight years serving the District’s former Senator, Ralph Smith, David Suetterlein is ready to serve the people of Western Virginia in the Senate. David’s service to Senator Smith and his leadership in Republican politics make him a strong voice to fight for economic growth, lower taxes, and increased government accountability.

Current Position: Non profit board member
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 20 since 2011
Affiliation: Republican

Bill Stanley’s political foundation was cemented by the conservative values of his father, a Ronald Reagan Republican who preached the benefits of working hard, personal responsibility, spending less than you earn, and standing by your principals no matter what the cost.

During his tenure, Bill has been a strong voice for Southside and Southwest in Virginia’s Capitol. He has sponsored legislation to spur economic development to create jobs and reduce unemployment in Southside Virginia. Bill’s energy and enthusiasm, grassroots focus, and track record of effective leadership are making a difference for Southside families for future generations.

Current Position: Works in agriculture
Affiliation: Other
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 21 since 1996
Affiliation: Democrat

John Edwards was first elected Senator for the 21st District in 1996. The 21st District includes the city of Roanoke, Giles County, and parts of Montgomery and Roanoke counties.

Senator Edwards is Chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Commerce and Labor, Education and Health, Finance and Appropriations, and Rules committees. Senator Edwards is Chairman of the Virginia Code Commission and serves on the Board of Governors of the Virginia Bar Association.

Current Position: Virginia sales manager, US Law Shield
Affiliation: Other
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 22 since 2017
Affiliation: Republican

“I’m not running to pass more laws. I want to get laws off the books. We need more freedom, less government. More freedom, less government is the message I was elected on and it’s exactly how I approach every vote that comes before the Senate of Virginia.”

Current Position: Freelance hair stylist and private music educator
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 23 since 1996
Affiliation: Republican
Former Positions: State Delegate from 1991 – 1995; Lynchburg City Council

Steve Newman is the author of many bills of importance to Central Virginia including Governor McDonnell’s entire Education Package in the 2010 General Assembly. H has served on the Governor’s Higher Education Reform Commission 2010 and co-sponsored the resulting bill in the Virginia Senate. Newman has been rated as one of Virginia’s most pro-job and pro-business Senate members

Current Position: State Senator of District 24 since 1996
Affiliation: Republican

“Emmett Hanger has a strong voting record of limited government and fiscal conservatism. He values the protection of individual rights, coupled with a keen sense of individual responsibility. More importantly, Emmett believes common-sense solutions in government should win-out over party politics.”

Current Position: Yoga Teacher
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 25 since 2001
Affiliation: Democrat
Former Positions: State Delegate from 1991 – 2000; Commonwealth’s Attorney of Bath County. from 1987 – 1991

Creigh Deeds was first elected Senator for the 25th District in 2001. The 25th District includes the cities of Buena Vista of Fairfax and parts of Fairfax County.Albemarle County (Part), Alleghany County (All), Bath County (All), Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Lexington , and Covington and the counties of Covington, Nelso, Highland, Rockbridge.

Senator Deeds is Chair of the Privileges and Elections Committee and is a member of the Finance and Appropriations, Commerce and Labor, Judiciary, and Rules committees.  Senator Deeds was member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1991 to 2001. Senator Deeds was the Democratic nominee for Attorney General in 2005 and for Governor in 2009.

Current Position: State Senator of District 26 since 2001
Affiliation: Republican

Mark was elected to the Senate of Virginia in 2003, where he serves as Chairman of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee.  He also serves on the Commerce & Labor; Finance;  Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources;  and Rules Committees. Mark is also Chairman of the Virginia State Crime Commission.

He has quickly established himself as a conservative leader, taking the lead on property rights, school choice, family values, and government reform, and emerging as one of the Senate’s leading voices on public safety and other key issues.

Current Position: Nonprofit organizer, retired
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2020 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 13 since 2016
Affiliation: Democrat
Former Position: State Delegate from 2016 – 2019

Delegate John Bell is a retired member of the United States Air Force. He served almost 26 years before retiring as a Major in 2007. During his Air Force career, John served as a Finance Officer all over the world, including tours in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

John has worked across party lines to pass Medicaid expansion, increase school funding and teacher pay, fight for common-sense gun safety reforms and champion policies to address the opioid addiction crisis

Current Position: State Senator of District 27 since 2008
Affiliation: Republican

Jill Vogel is a nationally recognized attorney and native Virginian. She has held legal and policy positions in and out of government, including serving as Deputy General Counsel at the Department of Energy. As managing partner of a law firm that specializes in charity and non-profit organizations, election law, and ethics, she has consistently been listed by Washingtonian Magazine as a “top lawyer in her field.”

In the past, Senator Vogel has been named Legislator of the Year by the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Courts Clerks Association, the Virginia Treasurers Association and the Commissioners of Revenue Association of Virginia.

Current Position: Teacher, Fauquier County
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2021 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 28 since 2008
Affiliation: Republican
Former Position: Commonwealth's Attorney, Westmoreland County from 2004 – 2005

“One of my priorities as your Senator is to improve our local economies. People are hurting and family budgets are tightening. That is why I will continue to support legislation and initiatives that put less of a burden on small businesses and families when it comes to paying taxes.”

Current Position: State Senator of District 29 since 2016
Affiliation: Democrat

“Jeremy McPike is a public servant who has dedicated his life to serving our community. As a volunteer firefighter and EMT, Jeremy understands the urgency of identifying and solving challenges, and that’s the approach he will take to Richmond.”

Current Position: State Senator of District 30 since 2012
Affiliation: Democrat

As a leader in the General Assembly, Adam Ebbin has fought to advance progressive priorities, including incentives for cleaner energy, funding for mass transit improvements, ending discrimination in state employment, and electoral reform.

Adam has distinguished himself as a voice for the easily exploited.

Current Position: State Senator of District 31 since 2012
Affiliation: Democrat

Barbara Favola was first elected Senator for the 31st District in 2012. The 31st District includes parts of Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun counties.

Senator Favola is Chair of the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee and is a member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, Local Government, Transportation, and Rules committees. Senator Favola has been a vigorous supporter of universal human rights throughout her public life.

The interview below was conducted by Nanayaa Obeng in May, 2021. The original interview recording has not been edited in any way.

Current Position: State Senator of District 32 since 1992
Affiliation: Democrat

Janet Howell was first elected Senator for the 32nd District in 2008. The 32nd District includes parts of Fairfax and Arlington counties.

Senator Howell is Chair of the Finance and Appropriations Committee  and is a member of the Education and Health, Local Government, Privileges and Elections  and Rules committees. Senator Howell is credited with major legal reforms. Education, children, and families have always been top priorities.

Current Position: State Senator of District 35 since 2016
Affiliation: Democrat

Jennifer Boysko’s  priorities are working to continue to build the New Virginia economy here in Virginia that supports both working families and small businesses in her district. She has actively sought to restore funding to our public schools and has worked on legislation that would make sure everyone has access to affordable healthcare.

Boysko seeks to find common ground and work with both Republicans and Democrats to get things done. However, finding common ground does not mean we abandon our priorities and values. She will always stand up and speak out for the issues most passionately held where there are stark differences that cannot be negotiated.

Current Position: Entrepreneur, Loudon County
Affiliation: Republican
Candidate: 2021 State Senator

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Current Position: State Senator of District 34 since 2008
Affiliation: Democrat

Chap Petersen was first elected Senator for the 34th District in 2008. The 34th District includes the city of Fairfax and parts of Fairfax County.

Senator Petersen is Chair of the Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee  and is a member of the Education and Health, Finance and Appropriations, Judiciary, and Rules committees. Senator Petersen was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 to 2006.

Current Position: State Senator of District 36 since 2016
Affiliation: Democrat

Scott is a co-founding partner and owner of Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC, an 18-attorney law firm in Fairfax dedicated to helping Northern Virginia’s people and small businesses solve their legal problems.

Surovell has been a leader in the Virginia General Assembly on government transparency, criminal justice reform, consumer protection and environmental protection. In 2016, Surovell passed legislation requiring government officials to redact public documents instead of withholding entire records  and passed similar legislation applying to homeowner, condo and cooperative associations the following year.

Current Position: State Senator of District 38 since 2014
Affiliation: Republican
Former Position: State Delegate from 2013 – 2014

Benton Chafin is a strong advocate who will fight bad policy from Richmond and Washington that undermines our values, our coal industries, and our jobs.

As a strong advocate for Southwest Virginia in the House and the Senate, Ben successfully sponsored and passed a bill that counters the EPA’s assault on our coal jobs. He has voted to defend our 2nd Amendment rights, voted against tax increases, and stood for life and traditional marriage.

Current Position: Executive Chairman, First Sentinel Bank
Affiliation: Other
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 39 since 2008
Affiliation: Democrat

George Barker was first elected Delegate for the 39th District in 2008. The 39th District includes parts of Alexandria City, southern Fairfax County, and northern Prince William county.

Senator Barker serves as Chair of the General Laws and Technology Committee and is a member of the Education and Health and Finance committees. Senator Barker has been involved with a wide variety of local issues and has been an active member of a number of civic and community organizations.

Current Position: Federal employee, retired
Affiliation: Republican
Candidate: 2019 State Senator

Current Position: State Senator of District 40 since 2014
Affiliation: Republican
Former Position: State Delegate from 2014 – 2019

Though only in his second full term in elected office, Todd has been recognized as a leader for Southwest Virginia and the Commonwealth through his work on the opioid epidemic, economic development, and promoting commonsense policies good for Virginia families and businesses.

Recently ranked as the second most effective legislator in the General Assembly, Todd is a recipient of the Virginia Chamber’s Innovation Award; the Award of Merit from the Virginia Pharmacists Association; the Child Advocate Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics-Virginia; and The Healthcare Hero Award from the Business Journal of the Tri-Cities, among others.

Current Position: Marion Director of Community and Economic Development
Affiliation: Other
Candidate: 2019 State Senator