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As one election ends, another one starts. 50th District Del. Tommy Wright announced on Tuesday his plans to run for re-election. 

“As a Christian conservative, I am committed to fighting for the values that matter most to

our community,” Wright told The Herald. “I stand firmly for tax cuts to ease the burden on hardworking families, supporting small businesses to fuel our local economy, and protecting our God Given Second Amendment rights.” 

If it seems like Wright just took office, you wouldn’t be wrong. He was just seated in District 50 one year ago, in January 2024. After redistricting caused him to no longer be in the area for District 61, which he had represented for several years, Wright ran for the newly created District 50 against Democrat Josh Blakely. Wright won with 65% of the vote in the general election.

It’s also worth mentioning the Republican primary he took part in prior to that vote, as it helped cause a change in state law. Wright’s challenger John Marsden withdrew from the race, however he didn’t do it in time to be removed from the ballot. As a result, even though Wright had no challenger, residents had to come out and cast votes in the primary. As many Assembly members saw this as a waste of money, time and resources, especially for local registrars who had to find people to work precincts, there was a push to change state law so that regardless of how late in the process someone withdraws, if that means there’s just one person officially running, it eliminates the need for a primary. 

More about Tommy Wright

A Lunenburg County resident, Wright graduated from Victoria High in 1966, then earning his bachelor’s degree in political science from Old Dominion University in 1970. Wright has also served on the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors from 1993 to 2000. During that period, he served as chairman from 1995 to 1997. 

And yes, this is a bit early to be discussing the 50th District race. Wright’s term isn’t up for another year. This means he’ll be running for re-election in the 2026 cycle.