After one of the closest victories in 2023, Delegate Chris Obenshain is preparing for a rematch against Democrat Lily Franklin.
The two spent more than $1.5 million in 2023 and this year’s race looks to be another expensive and competitive race.
National Democrat organizations and megadonors have already poured money into Virginia legislative races and are both parties are expected to spend significant money in for Delegate and statewide races. Obenshain currently has $94,000 cash on hand while Franklin sports nearly $300,000.
Franklin was previously endorsed by Planned Parenthood – a major abortion provider who receives millions of dollars in federal support annually and made ad buys on behalf of Franklin.
Franklin has said that she will focus her campaign on homeownership, defending abortion, mental health, and education. (RELATED: Virginia Gas Tax Up For Sixth Year In A Row)
Obenshain’s campaign will highlight his work as on public safety as a prosecutor and his effectiveness in the legislature. This term he introduced legislation to end the car tax. Next session he will introduce legislation to expand early intervention for children with disabilities.
“I brought funding back to the area to improve I-81 and improve our transportation infrastructure, including bringing passenger rail back to the New River Valley, which is happening now,” Obenshain said.
Obenshain has done significant bipartisan work to combat antisemitic crimes, especially after a Jewish student at UVA was held at gunpoint while other students threatened to “free Palestine” by beating him.
Franklin is a consultant with a resume that includes time as a math teacher and legislative aide. Obenshain is a prosecutor and a lieutenant colonel in the Army. (RELATED: Virginia AG Statistics Shock: Previous Administration Caused Crime Spike)
District 41 covers most of Montgomery County and parts of western Roanoke County. VPAP rates it as “leans Republican.” (RELATED: Virginia Candidates Rush to Tie Opponents to National Figures)