Gen Z Politics: Jade Harris Running For Virginia House Delegate Seat

Jade Harris is seeking to win a special election and join Virginia’s House of Delegates representing District 24 come Jan. 10

Although Harris is only 25, she believes her youth is important as she will bring an understanding of problems young people face along with an abundance of positive energy. 

“Well first of all I bring energy,” Harris told YR Media. “Our government is lacking good positive energy. People who are driven to make good change. Second of all, I think I bring an understanding of how these policies have affected school-age people.” 

Harris, who currently lives in Glasgow, Virginia has more than two years of experience in the city government as a town council member and Vice Mayor. A native of Rockbridge County, she was inspired to run because she’s seen firsthand how governmental policies affect the community and believes she will do a better job understanding the needs of citizens through grassroots activity. 

The seat became open following the death of Republican Delegate Ronnie Campbell on December 13. His wife, Ellen Campbell, announced two days after his passing that she would be running to continue her late husband’s legacy. While Harris feels for Ellen’s loss she stated that government is not about continuing legacies but “getting work done.” 

By election date, each candidate will have run for less than a month. This quick turnaround means that for citizens not aware that there is even a special election going on, name recognition may play a key factor, putting Harris at a disadvantage. However, she remains optimistic about her chances citing door-knocking over the last stretch of the trail as an effective method of promoting her candidacy to more voters. 

District 24 is also a heavily red district adding another hurdle for Harris, however, to counteract that she is striving hard to inspire younger voters and voters of color. 

“Due to this being a special election it is going to be a relatively low turnout,” Harris said. “I’m hoping to counteract that by getting the youth vote out and people of color out. I think I can do that because of my age and status as a person of color might excite other people like me to pay more attention.”

Key issues that Harris is focused on include protecting reproductive rights, expanding mental healthcare, protecting transgender children and families, fighting back against anti-CRT legislation, and expanding infrastructure.