Williamsburg, VA – Today, Jessica Anderson, a lifelong Virginian and the 2023 Democratic nominee for Virginia’s 71st House of Delegates District, has announced her candidacy for the seat.
Anderson is focused on improving the lives of Virginians with family-friendly policies that strengthen public education, address key affordability issues, keep our kids and communities safe from senseless gun violence, and protect each person’s right to their own bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom.
Delegate Don Scott, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, was the first leader to endorse Anderson’s campaign. In 2024, he made history as the first Black Speaker to ever serve in Virginia. He had the following to say about Anderson’s candidacy:
“Virginia House Democrats are working hard every day to make life better for all families. Whether it’s expanding access to healthcare, raising the minimum wage, or protecting our freedoms, we’re delivering results that matter.
The road to building on that progress and strengthening Democratic control in the House of Delegates runs right through the Historic Triangle. Jessica Anderson is ready to roll up her sleeves, fight for what’s right, and flip this seat.
In these tough times — when our freedoms are under attack and costs are spiraling out of control — the 71st District needs a fighter. Jessica Anderson is that fighter. I’m proud to give her my full endorsement and can’t wait to see the difference she’ll make for her community.”
“For 22 years, this district has been my heart and home,” said Anderson. “I’ve raised my three daughters in New Kent and James City Counties, worked in the front office of our local elementary school, and embraced every opportunity to be an active voice in this incredible community. There is no better place to live, work, or retire, and I’m ready to fight for every person who calls this district home. Together, we can build a future where everyone thrives!”
Anderson has lived the challenges that many families living in the 71st District face daily. Her experiences with child care, health insurance affordability, food insecurity, and navigating social safety net programs have fueled her passion for supporting marginalized communities and shaped her vision for making a meaningful impact in their lives.
Her priorities include investing in our public schools and teachers, affordable prescription drugs, paid family and medical leave, making child care and long-term elder care affordable, universal background checks for all gun purchases, community-based violence prevention programs, safe gun storage, and protecting reproductive freedom. Together, these aim to strengthen and improve our economy.
Anderson is eager to continue listening to the perspectives of all who live in her community and finding common ground on shared values. She is committed to being a leader that is accessible, transparent, and accountable to those she will represent and being a voice for all Virginians.
According to VPAP’s analysis for the 2025 general election, HD-71 is one of the most competitive (R+1.6) House of Delegates districts. In 2023, Anderson came within just 667 votes of victory in a race with 35,637 ballots cast, achieving 49.03%. As a first-time candidate, she delivered a remarkable performance, running a true grassroots campaign against a well-funded, two-term incumbent backed by corporate dollars. Despite facing the steep challenge of an R+7.48 district, Anderson shattered expectations with a narrow 1.87% loss — a testament to her unwavering determination and the power of her message.
Leading the charge in small dollar contributions, Anderson’s campaign inspired a groundswell of community support. Now, the 71st District is emerging as the race to watch in Virginia, and Anderson is fired up and ready to make history in 2025.
For more information on Anderson’s campaign, visit Jess4VA.com.
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