GLOUCESTER, Va. — Virginia's newly re-drawn 26th Senate District includes areas of James City, Hanover and King and Queen Counties, and Gloucester, New Kent and Matthews Counties.
The two candidates running this year are the incumbent, Republican Senator Ryan McDougle, and his challenger, Democrat Pamela Garner.
The 51-year-old McDougle is a lawyer who has served in the State Senate since 2006 on the Judiciary, Privileges and Elections, Rehabilitation and Social Services and Rules committees.
He says the two top issues he hears about from voters are parents' rights and crime.
"Parents want to be involved and need to be involved. That's number one. The second thing I hear, having spent a number of years prosecuting criminal offenses, very tuned into this, people want us to deal with the crime issue. They want to be safe," he said.
Democrat Pamela Garner served more than 30 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard.
The 54-year-old is a small business owner in Gloucester. She's seeking office for the first time and is endorsed by the Virginia Education Association, Planned Parenthood and the Virginia AFL-CIO.
Garner says she supports reproductive freedom, public education and sensible gun safety laws.
"And I know with my background and my character, integrity first, excellence in all that I do and service before self, I am definitely the candidate that will work for you, and I pledge to work for all Americans in Virginia and make sure that your voices are heard with your votes. I know we can be successful."
In 2021, Gov. Glenn Youngkin won the 26th District, defeating Terry McAuliffe 64.25 to 35.3%.
The Virginia Public Access Project classifies the district as "Strong Republican."
This is Virginia's first election where all 140 seats in the General Assembly are on the ballot.