Republican Travis Hackworth won Tuesday’s special election to replace the late Senator Ben Chafin in the 38th District of the Virginia State Senate.
From Tazewell County, Hackworth, defeated Radford’s Laurie Buchwald in the election.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Hackworth thanked his supporters and said he is ready to get to work for the district.
“It is the honor of my life to serve our region in the Virginia Senate,” he said. “While the last few weeks have been amazing and humbling as I have connected with voters around the district, now the work begins.”
Hackworth said, “I am ready to get started bringing new business to Southwest Virginia, completing the Coalfields Expressway, opening new senate offices in Norton, Richlands, and Pulaski, expanding broadband in our rural communities, standing with our law enforcement, and protecting our rights in Richmond.”
Buchwald thanked her supporters and said the experience of getting out in the district, meeting people and giving voice to issues has been enriching and she looks forward to the future.
“I have met and spoken to so many people who are pleading for representation for the issues that affect us every single day,” she said. “I am proud of the honest campaign we have run, free from mudslinging, and I want to encourage anyone who has ever considered throwing their hat in the ring, to do so.
“I promise it is worth it, 100 percent,” Buchwald said. “I am grateful for the thousands of people who have reached out and shared their concerns with me. Rest assured, I am here for you. My voice will not be silenced.”
Hackworth garnered 76% of the vote according to the Virginia State Board of Elections website.
The 38th district includes Bland, Buchanan, Dickenson, Pulaski, Russell and Tazewell counties, the cities of Norton and Radford, and portions of Montgomery, Smyth, and Wise counties.
