Jeremy Rodden is a Democratic candidate with a Master's degree in Education. He has experience as an educator with the School District of Philadelphia, JobCorps, and Together We Can Foundation. Rodden is also experienced in community service, committing time to volunteering in the City of Chesapeake as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children, soft skills educator for disconnected youth, and coach in Chesapeake Little League. Rodden is the co-founder of Pride in the 'Peake, Chesapeake's first annual Pride event.

Rodden believes in a science-driven, issues-focused approach. He plans to vote in favor of issues ranging from protection of abortion access to increased mental health awareness to LGBTQIA+ acceptance to public health emergencies. He wholeheartedly believes that experts should be consulted and trusted for the most up-to-date and accurate advice. He has been endorsed by VA LGBT+ Democrats, the Center for Freethought Equality, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, Roe Your Vote Virginia, and Equality Virginia.

Protecting the environment is also at the top of his priority list. He believes that “climate change is real and it is caused by human actions”. He argues that “we must responsibly take all measures we can to conserve our natural resources, prepare for the results of our actions (such as rising sea levels), and protect our environment for future generations.” His policy stances have earned him endorsements from Eric Holder and the NRDC, Save the Dismal, and Sierra Club.

Rodden is a staunch advocate for public education. He argues that “The most important resources we can provide for our children are the best teachers and staff. By paying them well, listening to their needs as the front-line contacts with our students, and striving for the best working conditions possible for them, we can offer our students the best education.” He is opposed to book banning efforts and calls out Republicans for demonizing teachers.

Rodden believes that government is not meant to be run in the shadows. He wants government transparency across the board and says that “all official activity by members of elected office should be easily available for public scrutiny and participation.” He believes that the Commonwealth is in dire need of campaign finance reform.

Rodden is challenging incumbent Republican Delegate Jay Leftwich, an attorney who has represented the 78th district in the House of Delegates since 2014. Since his election, Leftwich has voted against expanding Medicaid insurance coverage, raising the minimum wage, protecting insurance coverage of abortions, legalizing marijuana, and abolishing the death penalty. He also opposes keeping our communities safe by passing common sense measures to prevent gun violence.

Given his positions on public education, environmental stewardship, civil rights protection, and government transparency, Jeremy Rodden is the progressive choice in this race. Close Window