Del. Lily Franklin to Serve as Campaign Manager for Tom Perriello’s U.S. House Campaign

See below for a press release from former Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA05)’s campaign, which I’d say is noteworthy for at least a couple reasons. First off, as the press release notes, Del. Lily Franklin (in her first term, after being elected last November) was Chief of Staff for Delegate Sam Rasoul, who is a potential rival of Perriello’s if Rasoul decides to run for the new VA06 (assuming the redistricting referendum passes). And second, I’m not sure how usual it is for a sitting delegate to manage a U.S. House campaign, but off the top of my head, I can’t remember any examples.  Regardless, this seems like a smart pick by Perriello, as Franklin is very politically sharp and experienced. Now, we’ll have to see if the redistricting amendment passes on April 21 (looks likely at the moment, but let’s take nothing for granted!), and also if it passes court muster (which I’d also expect it to do)…

Lily Franklin to Serve as Campaign Manager for Tom Perriello’s Campaign

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Today, Tom Perriello is announcing Lily Franklin as Campaign Manager for his Congressional race. Franklin has managed numerous political campaigns covering Virginia’s Fifth and Sixth Districts and represents Southwest Virginia’s 41st District in the House of Delegates.

“There’s nobody I would trust more to run this campaign, because Lily is dedicated to giving hardworking families across the Blue Ridge a fair shot, and she knows how to win,” said Perriello. “She knows that families around here deserve more from Congress than jacked up prices and rural healthcare cuts. I know that no one will work harder for our region to get a real voice in Congress.”

A former high school math teacher, Lily Franklin was elected to represent her community in the Virginia House of Delegates in 2025.  Lily grew up in Roanoke to a working class family, at times working 2 – 3 jobs to make ends meet.  A seasoned campaign staffer, Lily, has been working in the valley for years fighting to make life better for her community: to lower costs, improve quality of life and ensure hard work is rewarded.  Her previous experience includes Deputy Campaign Manager for Josh Throneburg’s run for the Fifth District; Chief of Staff to Delegate Sam Rasoul; and Western Virginia Regional Political Director for the Harris/Walz Coordinated Campaign. Lily will be joining the campaign in her personal capacity.

“I love my home. I love the people and getting to fight for these communities where Tom and I grew up,” said Franklin. “We believe that everyone deserves a chance to build a good life here, to have hard work rewarded, to be part of a strong community, and to feel like they’re leaving the next generation something better than what came before. That’s why I fight so hard for this community, and why I want to get Tom elected – because we already know that Tom will deliver for our region and put people over politics.”

Perriello is campaigning across the current Fifth District and proposed Sixth District, each of which include the greater Charlottesville and Lynchburg regions. Tom has conducted over 200 events with voters this year and will be expanding its listening sessions in communities throughout the Blue Ridge. Since launching his campaign in December, Perriello has been endorsed by Governor Spanberger, Lt. Gov. Hashmi, Senators Kaine and Warner, and over 30 local officials. Most recently, he was endorsed by Mayor Deanne Reed of Harrisonburg and Vice Mayor Terry McGuire of Roanoke.

Together, Perriello and Franklin said the campaign will focus on bringing people together, community by community, to rebuild an American dream that leaves no race or region behind.

“Our communities are at the heart of this campaign,” Perriello said. “And we’re just getting started.”