Hackworth, Morefield ready to work with Democrat-controlled General Assembly

Nov. 9—TAZEWELL, Va. — Although they were victorious in their re-election bids, Senator Travis Hackworth, R-Tazewell, and Delegate James W. "Will" Morefield, R-Tazewell, will face a new Democrat-majority when they return to the Virginia General Assembly in January.

It was not the outcome the Southwest Virginia lawmakers were hoping for.

"We were disappointed in the results, but I anticipate the majority will shift back and forth several times over the next several years," Morefield said. "I do believe the Democrats will work with us to ensure Southwest Virginia is not left behind. I have always been respectful to my colleagues across the aisle and they have been to me. Our country is terribly divided by partisan politics and I am hopeful during the upcoming General Assembly session we can put those differences aside for the better good of our constituents."

Morefield easily defeated challenger David Ratliff in the 43rd Delegate District race, which is composed of Tazewell, Buchanan and Bland counties, and parts of Russell and Dickenson counties. Morefield won with 18,943 votes to 3,184 votes for Ratliff.

Hackworth also was victorious in the Senate 5th District contest, turning back a challenge from Democrat Robert Beckman of Blacksburg.

Hackworth won with 35,904 votes to 16,792 for Beckman. He won Tazewell, Bland, Smyth, Pulaski, Wythe and Giles counties. Hackworth was also competitive in Montgomery County netting 5,374 votes. Beckman won Montgomery County with 7,827 votes.

In the end, Hackworth netted 68 percent of the votes cast in the new senatorial district — more than enough to win re-election.

"I am very grateful that 68 percent of my new district had faith enough in me to hire me for another four years," Hackworth said Wednesday, adding that being in the minority party in the Virginia Senate won't be a new experience.

Democrats currently control the Senate, and will be the majority party again in 2024.

"I have never had the privilege of working in the majority in any elected position I have ever held, whether local or state," Hackworth said. "I have always respected my colleagues and found common ground to work with them on. Respect, courtesy and demonstrating a willingness to negotiate and compromise has served me well both professionally and politically. I congratulate and look forward to working with my new colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and also want to thank all of those that threw their hat in the ring."

Hackworth said there is still much work to be done for Southwest Virginia.

"Housing, economic development, lower energy costs, less regulations on small businesses, and allowing parents to parent is not partisan issues, these are Virginian issues that all of us can come together on and work to improve Southwest Virginia," he said.

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com. Follow him @BDTOwens