News Summary
In a closely watched rematch, Democrat Jessica Anderson faces off against Republican Amanda Batten for Virginia’s House District 71. The previous election was decided by just 667 votes, making this race critical. The candidates navigate a district transformed into a swing seat due to redistricting, highlighting key issues such as housing costs, education, and healthcare. Both campaigns emphasize voter outreach, as tight competition and varying early voting trends could influence the ultimate outcome.
Williamsburg – Democrat Jessica Anderson is engaged in a closely contested rematch against Republican Del. Amanda Batten for Virginia’s House District 71. The previous election held in 2023 was decided by a mere 667 votes, marking Batten with 50.9% of the votes and Anderson at 49.1%. This election is critical, as both candidates recognize the impact that voter turnout and public sentiment can have on the final outcome.
Changes due to redistricting have turned House District 71 into a genuine swing seat, now encompassing Williamsburg, well-established neighborhoods in James City County, and the rapidly expanding suburbs of New Kent, one of the fastest-growing localities in Virginia. The district also features Williamsburg, which heavily relies on the economies of the College of William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg.
Key issues influencing the race include escalating housing costs, the capacity of schools to accommodate an increase in students, wage levels in the tourism-dependent economy, and traffic congestion along I-64. The concerns surrounding these issues are central to both candidates’ platforms as they seek to appeal to the voters in this contested district.
Both Anderson and Batten are aware of the significance of House District 71 for maintaining control of the Virginia House of Delegates. As they campaign, both parties are focusing on voter outreach and engagement strategies. Recent early voting statistics indicate that Republican-leaning districts have experienced higher turnout rates compared to Democratic strongholds. Notably, Anderson has raised $741,837 in the 2025 election cycle, outpacing Batten’s $443,718. In the previous cycle, Anderson had faced the challenge of being outspent two to one.
Jessica Anderson’s Campaign Focus
Anderson emphasizes a grassroots approach to her campaign, utilizing increased volunteer support and funding compared to her previous run. Her primary concerns revolve around healthcare affordability, advocating for expanded Medicaid support, education reforms, initiatives to raise the minimum wage to $15, and housing projects aimed at improving accessibility for residents.
Personal experiences play a significant role in Anderson’s narrative. She highlights her own struggles with Medicaid and SNAP benefits following her divorce, underscoring her commitment to addressing healthcare and community needs. Among her proposed initiatives are expanding early childhood education, improving K-12 transportation, and increasing funding for public schools. Additionally, her campaign includes strong support for reproductive rights and gun policy reform, advocating for measures like universal background checks and stronger safe-storage laws for firearms.
Amanda Batten’s Legislative Experience
For Amanda Batten, this election represents an opportunity to secure her fourth full term in the House after having represented the district since 2019. She currently serves as the chair of the House Republican Caucus, where she points to her leadership role and legislative experience as critical qualifications for reelection.
Batten’s campaign centers on local control over zoning, proposing to reduce regulatory costs in order to help mitigate rising housing prices. Her primary focuses also include addressing transportation needs, creating economic incentives for job growth, and enhancing educational technology within schools. Batten opposes shifting public education funding to support private or religious institutions, asserting her commitment to parental rights in education. When it comes to reproductive health, she endorses limited exceptions for abortion in cases of rape, incest, or threats to the mother’s life but is against the current constitutional amendment regarding abortion access.
Conclusion
As Anderson and Batten enter the final weeks of the campaign, recent polling and trends in voter engagement continue to shape the landscape of this hotly contested election in Virginia’s House District 71. Both candidates are committed to connecting with their constituents and articulating their visions for the future of their district.
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Additional Resources
- Virginia Mercury: Growth, tourism, and turnout collide in House District 71 rematch
- Daily Press: House District 71 Election
- Virginia Independent News: Jessica Anderson vs. Amanda Batten in House District 71
- Google Search: Virginia House District 71
- Mountain Media News: Early Voting Numbers for Virginia’s November Elections
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia House of Delegates
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
