Category: Harrisonburg Politics
Page 1/23
Democrat Pete Barlow launches campaign for 6th Congressional District
Less than 10 months after U.S. Rep. Ben Cline, R-Fincastle, won a fourth term in Congress, a Democrat already is seeking to challenge him in the 2026 race.
Advertisement
Del. Wilt’s challenger is a community organizer and former EMU professor. Both candidates have begun making their pitches to voters.
While some of this fall’s legislative contests will be determined in the June 17 primaries, that’s not the case for the 34th Virginia House District seat race, where the candidates are already set. Political newcomer Andrew Payton, a Democrat, is challenging Republican Del. Tony Wilt, who is running in November for his eighth full term to the seat that includes Harrisonburg.
Advertisement
Hundreds in Harrisonburg vent their anger at Trump and Washington
Harrisonburg’s version of Saturday’s “Hands Off” rally — aimed at protesting President Donald Trump’s agenda — attracted more than 400 people to Court Square, many of whom carried signs and chanted to vent frustration at mass federal layoffs, funding cuts and deportations.
Advertisement
Frustrated constituents picket outside private meeting to urge U.S. Rep. Cline to hold a town hall session
Several dozen people picketed in downtown Harrisonburg Sunday afternoon to call on U.S. Rep. Ben Cline, the four-term congressman who represents the Valley, to hold a public town hall meeting.
Advertisement
City schools look to add 40 new staff; Elementary redistricting plan prompts concern from some parents
The first draft of next year’s city school budget proposes a 5.58% increase, primarily to offset inflation, rising costs and expenses associated with opening Rocktown High School in fall 2024 — but also to add 40 new teaching and staff positions.
Advertisement
Some anxieties about Trump’s second term come out during Congressman Cline’s town hall event
Several dozen people pressed Republican U.S. Rep. Ben Cline on Monday evening about their concerns regarding potential mass deportations of immigrants and LGBTQ+ people’s rights during Donald Trump’s second term.
Seeking a third term on council, Deanna Reed wants city to be more supportive ‘for all’
Deanna Reed has always been proud of her hometown. Born and raised in Harrisonburg, Reed said her priority has always been to make sure the community is “a city for all.” Reed, who has been mayor since 2017, is running for re-election to the city council as one of four candidates vying for three spots. She was the top vote-getter in the June Democratic primary.
Laura Dent, the city’s vice mayor, wants another term to keep working on climate and housing issues
In 2020, community activist Laura Dent decided to run for city council after years of campaigning for other Democrats in Harrisonburg. Much of her platform was focused on climate initiatives and affordable housing, and she’s focused a lot of her energy on those issues during the last four years as she served on the council.
