Democrat Lily Franklin to run again in 41st House District
A rematch could be brewing in Virginia's 41st House District, with Democrat Lily Franklin announcing her candidacy for 2025.
In the district covering parts of Montgomery and Roanoke counties, fewer than 200 votes decided the 2023 election won by Del. Chris Obenshain, R-Montgomery, over Franklin.
Franklin, a former teacher, announced Monday she is running again. Her announcement included endorsements from Speaker of the House Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, and U.S. Rep Abigail Spanberger, D-Henrico.
"I'm running because Southwest Virginians deserve the resources to thrive in all stages of life — from a world-class education for our children to well-paying jobs for working families to dignity and security for our seniors," Franklin said in the announcement. "I'm here to fight for our neighbors and make sure that the needs of Southwest Virginia are not overlooked in Richmond."
Obenshain, a first-term house member and prosecutor, did not immediately respond to an inquiry Monday about his intent to run for reelection. He did have about $8,000 in a campaign finance account as of June, according to data available from the Virginia Public Access Project.
Included with that campaign money was a $500 donation to himself from April. He also posts regularly on his "Chris Obenshain for Delegate" Facebook page.
In the close race in 2023, when Obenshain defeated Franklin by less than 1% of the vote. It was also a pricey race, with Obenshain spending close to $600,000, and Franklin more than $960,000, according to data from VPAP.
Nearby, Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, announced last week his intent for reelection in 2025.
Luke Weir
(540) 566-8917
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