This year Republicans have the fewest candidates running for the House of Delegates than they’ve had in years, only 81 running for 100 seats. The Democrats currently have 115 candidates in the running for HOD. Fifty-one Democrats are running against incumbent Republicans while only four Republicans are running against incumbent Democrats. Republican strategist Dan Scandling believes we will lose seats, but not in a tidal wave:
“I think they are concerned that some of their delegates may get plucked off in some areas, but I don’t think there can be a big enough to be a wave election. The districts aren’t drawn that way.”
There is some thought that reaction to Trump is causing fewer Republicans to run this year and Republican delegates, like Dave Albo, deciding not to run for re-election. Because of Trump, Republicans are well aware this will be a tough year for them in Virginia.
Running for Albo’s seat in the 42nd district is Republican Lolita Mancheno-Smoak who is well known in Fairfax County having previously run for school board in the county. She is the current Chairman of the board of the Mid-Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. More on her very impressive resume here.
In her announcement Mancheno-Smoak said:
Dear Family, Friends and Neighbors,
I have decided to file seeking the Republican Nomination for VA House of Delegates District 42. This comes at the heels of mourning my father’s passing on my birthday- first day of Spring. This journey is a new beginning in a personal life mission of trying to leave this world a little better than when I entered it. And what better way to do that then dedicate my life to serving the community that I have grown to love and has shown me love as family. After all Virginia is for Lovers… I hope to have the honor and privilege of your spiritual support throughout this journey.
With great gratitude,
Lolita
In the 40th district Democrat Dante Tanner is challenging Republican incumbent Tim Hugo. More on that story here.
