As early voting continues across Virginia, Delegate Chris Obenshain of the 41st House District is once again in the political spotlight. Representing one of the state’s most closely watched swing districts, the Blacksburg Republican says his life and career have been guided by one simple principle: service.

“I was actually working in D.C. on Capitol Hill on 9/11,” Obenshain recalled. “As a result of that, I was really inspired and prompted to make a change in my life and really pursue something that was greater than myself—and that pushed me to enlist in the Army Reserve.”

For Obenshain, service runs deep in his family. “Service is always something that I’ve really cared about,” he said. “Here in Blacksburg, we’ve got Virginia Tech. The motto of Virginia Tech is ‘Ut Prosim,’ and it means ‘That I may serve.’ My grandfather taught here for 36 years, and he really instilled that in our family. That’s been behind a lot of my choices in life—pursuing a career as a prosecutor, protecting the community, serving in the Army Reserve, and now as a Delegate serving this region.”

He encourages others to take an active role in improving their communities. “I would say just go seek out opportunities to get involved,” he said. “There are so many civic groups and associations that really need people. Honestly, in our political environment today, what it really will take is people working side by side with others who may or may not agree with you. That’s what makes our community stronger and better.”

When asked about Democratic Attorney General nominee Jay Jones’ text message scandal, Obenshain did not hold back. “Absolutely abhorrent,” he said. “When I read those text messages, I couldn’t believe that somebody would say that about not just another human being, but somebody that you know and work with and their family. I just think it’s impossible to think of him leading that office, having said those things.”

Obenshain, first elected in 2023 by just 183 votes, is once again facing a tight race. As he campaigns for re-election, he’s relying on the same message that carried him through before—one grounded in faith, humility, and service to others.

Obenshain is running against Franklin. After losing to Obenshain by fewer than 200 votes in 2023, Franklin began campaigning earlier this cycle, emphasizing economic relief and pragmatic reforms. She argues that voters are “ready for new leadership and a change,” and that the district would benefit from having a representative aligned with the majority party in Richmond.