The campaign to succeed Del. Danny Marshall, R-Danville, is starting to take shape.
Danville city council member Madison Whittle has become the first candidate to announce he’s seeking the Republican nomination, and he enters with the endorsement of Marshall and Del. Eric Phillips, R-Henry County, who represents the adjoining district.
Marshall announced last week that he’s retiring after 24 years in the House of Delegates. The 49th House District covers Danville and parts of Pittsylvania and Halifax counties.
In announcing his campaign, Whittle, who founded the MJRW property management company, said “Southside needs the same conservative representation in Richmond and that’s why I am running.”
A fellow Danville council member, Gary Miller, has already announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination. So has Jasmine Lipscomb, who sits on Danville’s Board of Zoning Appeals.
Miller, a cardiologist, said he’s running “because Southside Virginia needs experienced leadership, real solutions, and a representative who will never stop fighting for the people.”
Lipscomb told the Danville Register & Bee that she’s running “to enfranchise the voters.”
All 100 seats in the House of Delegates are on the ballot this fall. Democrats currently hold a 51-49 edge.
The deadline to make the primary ballot for a party nomination is April 3, with any contested primaries held June 17.
You can find more election information in Cardinal’s 2025 Voter Guide.