Incumbent Democratic Delegate Lashrecse Aird was elected in November 2015 to represent the 63rd District. She holds the special distinction of being the youngest woman ever elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. Delegate Aird is actively engaged in numerous civic boards and organizations. She is Chair of the Petersburg Democratic Committee, Chair of the Petersburg Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Political Awareness and Involvement Committee, and a former member of the Petersburg Planning Commission.

She is a strong progressive champion who supports Medicaid expansion, increased school funding, voting rights, abortion access, and equality for all.

She is opposed by Larry Haake, who is running as an Independent. Haake is a former police officer who served as the Chesterfield County Registrar for 22 years, but not without controversy. In 2004, Haake asked that uniformed police officers be stationed at the county’s 62 polling places. This action drew criticism from Democrats, progressive allies, and the local Muslim community, all stating that the presence of armed officers could intimidate some voters.

Lashrecse Aird is the progressive choice in this race.