WASHINGTON — Democratic Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg won a third term representing HD-72 in the Virginia House of Delegates, a crucial hold in a seat he flipped in 2017. The RSLC failed to win back this seat, despite spending at least $19,420 in support of Christopher Holmes in a political environment that historically favors Republicans. VanValkenburg ran a strong campaign centering voting rights, protecting our democracy, and investing in public education. This was a stark contrast to his opponent, who echoed Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election.
“Schuyler VanValkenburg worked to promote educational equity and improve health care accessibility in the House of Delegates,” said Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Jessica Post. “Delegate VanValkenburg is a dedicated public servant who has been influential in passing so many critical policies to better the commonwealth. His far-right, out of touch opponent didn’t stand a chance. Congratulations to Delegate VanValkenburg on this enormous victory.”
The DLCC and its affiliated groups invested in Virginia to support candidates like Delegate VanValkenburg and provided critical political guidance, strategic planning, data analysis, and messaging support — all of which proved to be successful with the Democratic victory in this race.
As a high school history teacher in Henrico County for over a decade, Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg knew the importance of making change from day one. Keeping his campaign promise, he helped to expand Virginia’s Medicaid program during his first term. Delegate VanValkenburg will continue to protect reproductive rights, expand access to school counseling, and continue to prioritize school safety for the families of the 72nd district. He defeated Christopher Holmes, who campaigned on anti-transgender fearmongering, voting conspiracies to justify new restrictions, and opposition to gun violence prevention measures.
The commonwealth has become a model for passing progressive legislation including making child care more affordable for working families, strengthening voting rights, passing sweeping criminal justice reform measures, creating tuition-free community college programs, raising the minimum wage, ending surprise medical billing, banning LGBTQ discrimination, providing eviction and utility aid, and making Virginia the “Top State for Business” while strengthening workers’ pay, benefits, and working conditions.
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