Delegate Jason Ballard, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and a champion for Virginia’s 42nd District, believes in the power of service and unity, inspiring his New River Valley constituents as he seeks re-election for a third term.
Delegate Ballard represents the 42nd House of Delegates District, which includes parts of Montgomery County and Pulaski County, as well as all of Giles County and Radford City. Before serving in the General Assembly, he was elected to the Pearisburg Town Council and has spent over a decade in military service.
We caught up with Delegate Ballard to talk about what defines him, what he’s accomplished for his constituents, and what words of encouragement he has to share with others.
When asked what defines him, Ballard said, “I’d say one thing that defines me is service. I joined the U.S. Army right out of law school. The 9/11 attacks really touched me deeply and so as soon as I was able, I joined the military and served on active duty for 12 years, deployed four times into combat to serve my country, and then transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserves where I continue to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel.”
He continued, “I decided in about 2016 or 2017 to work to benefit my community, so I was elected to Pearisburg Town Council and did that for a few years. Now I serve in the General Assembly where my sole focus is to help my community and constituents and benefit all of Virginia.”
When asked what accomplishment he’s most proud of, Ballard cited the APCO Rate Reduction Act. “It was bipartisan legislation we were able to shepherd through the General Assembly with the sole focus on alleviating the ever-rising cost of electricity to consumers,” Ballard said. “That’s one thing that has immediate impacts on my community.”
He also offered words of encouragement for his constituents: “Don’t lose sight of how blessed we are to be in Virginia and in this great country. It truly is the greatest country in the history of civilization, and specifically, Virginia is an amazing state to live in. I’m blessed to call the New River Valley home. There are so many opportunities here and across Virginia. Even when we disagree, don’t lose sight of just how blessed we are.”
Ballard faces Democratic challenger Biko Agozino, who focused his campaign on education reform, social equity, and economic opportunity.
As both candidates present distinct visions for Virginia’s 42nd District, voters will decide between continued conservative leadership under Delegate Ballard and the progressive platform championed by Agozino.