Delegate Matt Fariss

House Republicans enter the 2017 campaign with a strong slate of candidates across the Commonwealth. We are prepared to run positive, solutions-oriented campaigns focused on what is best for our communities and our Commonwealth.

Statewide, Republicans have nominated a strong unified ticket that is focused on the issues facing Virginia families: job creation, economic growth, education reform and effective governance.

The Democrats have nominated a ticket far outside historical norms. Ralph Northam is far to the left of the incumbent Democratic governor, previous Democratic governors and gubernatorial nominees, and, most importantly, the Virginia electorate.

Republicans will work hard to take our message to every voter in every corner of the Commonwealth through November to take back the three statewide offices and retain our strong majority in the House of Delegates. 

Bob Thomas (HD28), Lolita Mancheno-Smoak (HD42), John McGuire (HD56), Emily Brewer (HD64), and Eddie Whitlock (HD72) all won primaries in Republican-held seats. They are all uniquely qualified candidates who know their communities well and will be great Delegates.

Incumbent Delegates Bobby Orrock and Ron Villaneuva won their races in a landslide, despite a difficult statewide environment - proof that House candidates can and will succeed even with difficult external factors.

We have no doubt that we will return in 2018 with a strong majority.

We've always said - no matter what happens in Washington or who the governor is, our House members will run on their record, our vision, and most of all - as members of the communities we serve . We are citizen legislators. We're not just Delegates in Richmond. We're neighbors and small business owners. We know the communities we represent, and we'll continue to fight for them in Richmond.

Throughout the next five months, all Republican House candidates will have the opportunity to share our record of accomplishment and lay out a vision for the future of our state that focuses the issues that matter most to Virginia families: growing our economy, strengthening our education system, and protecting our communities.

We’ve proven time and time again that no matter what happens in Washington, we will govern and lead the Commonwealth in a way that Virginians expect and deserve.

Republicans have nominated a center-right ticket, firmly within the bounds of longstanding Virginia political tradition and thought, a ticket focused on job creation, economic growth, education reform and effective governance

Ed Gillespie ran a positive campaign that positioned him exactly where he needs to be win the general election. He laid out detailed policy positions that showed the breadth and depth of his knowledge and willingness to tackle tough problems.

Jill Vogel powered through a competitive primary based on her record of achieving results in the Virginia Senate, where she represented Northern Virginia for nine years. Jill's strong work ethic has allowed her to manage a nationally recognized law firm while being a mother to her young children.

As Lieutenant Governor, Jill will put principle before party. With a record appealing to all Virginians, Jill is committed to pursuing policies that will make a difference in the everyday lives of Virginians.

Our Attorney General nominee, John Adams, is not a politician and has never sought public office before. Unlike the current attorney general who has politicized the office to advance a political agenda, John is running because he understands that the next attorney general must defend the laws passed by the people through their elected representatives in the General Assembly.

Virginia needs an attorney general who won’t pick and choose issues based on his political views, or grandstand for headlines. John will represent all Virginians in court and has the experience to effectively step in on day one and manage the Office of the Attorney General.

It is a privilege to represent you in the Virginia House of Delegates.  I encourage you to keep in touch with me and my office.  I will be spending the coming weeks meeting and visiting with various groups, businesses and constituents giving updates on the 2017 session. You can email me at [email protected] or call me at (804)698-1059.  You can also join the conversation on our social media page www.facebook.com/DelegateMattFariss.