Local, statewide races, decided today by Virginia voters

Nov. 7—A local Senate contest in Southwest Virginia is one of several key races today that could play a role in determining control of the Virginia General Assembly.

The once reliably red Senate district was expanded during the 2022 redistricting process to include parts of Montgomery County, including Blacksburg and Virginia Tech, which could make the race competitive. Buchanan County also was removed from the senatorial district, which is currently held by incumbent Senator Travis Hackworth, a Republican from Tazewell County.

In the 5th Senatorial District race, Hackworth is being challenged today by Democrat Robert W. Beckman of Blacksburg.

The new Virginia Senate 5th District is composed of Tazewell, Bland, Giles, Wythe, Smyth, Pulaski, the city of Radford, and parts of Montgomery County, including Blacksburg and Virginia Tech.

Republicans currently control the Virginia House and Democrats currently control the Virginia Senate. Political observers are watching today's election in Virginia to see if either political party can gain majority control of the Virginia General Assembly.

Two years ago, Republicans flipped every statewide constitutional office in Virginia, ushering Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin into office, along with Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and the GOP-controlled House.

A local House of Delegates race also is on today's ballot.

In the 43rd House of Delegates District contest, incumbent Delegate James W. "Will" Morefield, R-Tazewell, is being challenged by independent candidate David M. "Tiger Dave" Ratliff.

The new 43rd District in the Virginia House includes Tazewell, Buchanan and Bland counties, and parts of Russell and Dickenson counties.

Polls open today at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

In Tazewell County, voters will cast a ballot today at their normal polling precinct. There are no precinct changes this year, according to Tazewell County Registrar Brian Earls.

In Tazewell County, three county supervisor seats will be decided today, two of which are contested.

Incumbent Democrat Charlie Stacy is being challenged by Republican Charles E. "Chuck" Presley in the Eastern District.

In the Northern District race, incumbent Democrat Maggie Asbury is being challenged by Republican Kyle Aaron Cruey.

In the Northwestern District race, incumbent Republican Shanna C. Plaster is running unopposed for re-election.

In the Circuit Court Clerk's race, two candidates — Republican Charity McDaniel Hurst and independent Susie O. Vance — are vying for the clerk's position.

Vance was appointed circuit clerk in February following the retirement of Tammy Allison.

Four constitutional officers, all Republicans, are running unopposed for re-election in Tazewell County. They include Sheriff Brian Hieatt, Commonwealth Attorney J. Chris Plaster, Commissioner of Revenue David R. Anderson and Treasurer David T. Larimer, II.

Three incumbents also are running unopposed for re-election in the non-partisan school board race in Tazewell County. They are Erik D. Robinson, Eastern District; David R. Woodard, Northern District; and Donna Lawson Whittington, Northwestern District.

In Bland County, two candidates are vying for circuit court clerk. They are C. Eric Faulkner and Lisa A. Hall. Patrick D. White is running unopposed for Commonwealth Attorney and two candidates are vying for sheriff. They are incumbent Jason Reed Ramsey and challenger Steven A. Russo. Two candidates also are vying for Commissioner of Revenue. They are Dreama A. Hatcher and Cindy U. Wright.

In Buchanan County; 12 candidates are vying today for seats on the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors. They include: Rocklick District; incumbent Republican Craig Stiltner and Democrat Danny Sawyers; North Grundy District, Republican K. Lee Dotson, Jr. and Democrat Rages Matney; South Grundy District; incumbent Republican G. Roger Rife; Prater District, Republican David Rose; Garden District, incumbent Republican Jeffery Cooper and Democrat Hilary Deskins; Hurricane District, Republican incumbent Tim Hess and Democrat Harold Johnson; and Knox District, Republican incumbent Trey Adkins and independent Jerry Scarberry.

Also in Buchanan County, incumbent Republican Sheriff John McClanahan is being challenged by Democrat Allen Boyd. Incumbent Republican Commonwealth Attorney M. Nikki Stiltner is running unopposed for re-election.

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com

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