Yesterday, Rockbridge Supervisor Ronnie Campbell delivered a crushing victory to Democratic Socialist Christian Worth, and won the special election to replace Ben Cline by nearly 20 points. Campbell’s victory retains the GOP’s 51/49 majority in the House of Delegates. Ronnie won by emphasizing his support for gun ownership, his opposition to Medicaid expansion, and the need to support law enforcement.
The 24th Legislative District comprises all of Rockbridge and Bath counties, most of Amherst county, and the southern most part of Augusta county. Campbell, a former Virginia State Trooper, also showed that the NRA still has some teeth, as it was the NRA endorsement which probably helped him the most. I saw/heard this firsthand at the polls in Stuart’s Draft yesterday. Voter after voter walked up as I was outside the Ridgeview Christian School, and all the voters kept saying was that Ronnie would protect their guns and freedoms.
It should be noted that Ronnie won every locale but Lexington. And won all but 3 precincts District wide Ronnie swept every precinct in Amherst, Augusta, Bath, and Buena Vista. He lost Lexington of course, and won 14 of the 16 Rockbridge County precincts.
Last night’s results prove that no matter how much people like John Fredericks, Matt Colt Hall, and their minions in the Establishment try to tell us that we need to moderate our policies to win, conservatism still sells, when conservatism is sold correctly. Yesterday’s smashing victory also was a testament to the team Ronnie Campbell put together. Led by Cody Hanshaw (who helped Ron DeSantis win the governorship of Florida) Team Campbell had armies of volunteers with boots on the ground either door knocking or making phone calls. Izzy Knight’s group of Lynchburg YR’s were invaluable in the days leading up to the special election with their door canvassing.
With all the problems Republicans have been having recently, a 20% win is something we can all celebrate.
Campbell still has his work cut out for him. He needs to get running and fast as the Legislative session begins in less than a month. He will likely receive a nomination challenge from Jimmy Ayers of Amherst County in 2019. However that is for another time. For now, congratulations to Ronnie Campbell and reminding you that in following Vance Wilkins and Ben Cline, you have some big shoes to fill. Good luck in Richmond and Godspeed.
