Lily Franklin
BLACKSBURG — Lily Franklin, a lifelong Southwest Virginia resident, has announced her candidacy for Virginia’s 41st District in the House of Delegates.
The seat is currently held by Del. Chris Obenshain and includes portions of Montgomery and Roanoke counties.
Franklin has also announced her support from local and statewide leaders including Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, Congresswoman Abigail
Spanberger and Montgomery County Board of Supervisors Member Mary Biggs.
Franklin says she is focusing her campaign on “key issues that impact working families, mental health resources, public education, healthcare access, and environmental protections” and plans to “champion policies
that will make Virginia’s economy work for working families, strengthen the mental health system, create affordable pathways to homeownership and fair rental options, improve public school funding, safeguard access to reproductive healthcare and protect the environment.”
“This is our home, and I want it to be the best possible place to raise a family, live, and retire,” said Franklin. “I’m running because Southwest Virginians deserve the resources to thrive in all stages of life—from a world-class education for our children to well-paying jobs for working families to dignity and security for our seniors. I’m here to fight for our neighbors and make sure that the needs of Southwest Virginia are not overlooked in Richmond.”
“Lily Franklin is exactly the kind of leader we need in Richmond,” said Scott. “Her experience, deep-rooted compassion for her community, and proven record make her an outstanding advocate for the 41st District. I’m proud to endorse Lily, and I know she’ll bring much-needed vision and drive to the House as we work together to create a better future for all Virginians.”
“Lily Franklin is a fierce advocate for the people of Southwest Virginia. Her passion for service and her unwavering commitment to creating more opportunity in her community will be tremendous assets in the House of Delegates,” said Spanberger. “I look forward to seeing Lily’s work on behalf of her neighbors and know that she will continue to make Southwest Virginia proud.”
“In Lily Franklin, we have a candidate that understands the many needs facing the 41st district,” said Biggs. “She willbe a relentless advocate for Southwest Virginia, fighting for quality health care, childcare, affordable
housing, and funding for K-12 public education. Lily understands the importance of growing the district’s economy and workforce. She will work in Richmond to improve opportunities for all our citizens. I am proud to endorse Lily’s candidacy for the 41st district.”
Franklin’s announcements says her campaign will “highlight her dedication to improving the lives of her neighbors through bold and compassionate leadership. Her goals include advancing affordable homeownership, meaningful tax relief, modernizing Virginia’s mental health system, accessible childcare, protecting reproductive freedom and securing high-quality education.”
A native of Southwest Virginia, Franklin grew up in the mountains of the region and graduated from Northside High School. She earned a degree in Political Science at Longwood University.
“Her experiences with working-class struggles in her hometown, as well as her years in Richmond advocating for her community, have shaped her as a tenacious leader who understands the unique challenges of Southwest Virginia,” a statement from her campaign reads. “Lily has worked tirelessly to make sure the people of her community have access to resources that will improve their quality of life and make Southwest Virginia a more affordable place to live, work, and retire.
Staff report
