Meet the Candidates: Amanda Batten and Jessica Anderson

Incumbent Republican Amanda Batten currently represents the 96th District and is now competing against Democrat Jessica Anderson to serve the newly redrawn 71st District. 

Every ten years, new political boundaries are drawn in Virginia according to updated U.S. Census data in a process known as redistricting. The Nov. 7, 2023, elections will be based on the updated districts.

The 96th District is comprised of portions of James City County and York County. The new 71st District includes portions of James City County and New Kent County, as well as the entire City of Williamsburg. Both Batten and Anderson reside in the 71st District.

To find out who represents you in the Virginia General Assembly and which district you fall under for the November 2023 election, try the Who’s My Legislator service on the Virginia General Assembly’s website.

For this feature, The Triangle asked the candidates a series of questions based on reader submissions.

Amanda Batten

Party Affiliation: Republican

Race: Virginia House of Delegates District 71

Website: amandabatten.com

Fast facts: Delegate Amanda Batten was elected in 2019 to serve the 96th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. She serves as Caucus Chair of the House Republicans and is a member of the House Commerce and Energy, House Rules, House Education, and House Public Safety Committees. 

What inspired you to seek re-election to the Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 71?

The newly drawn 71st District includes a significant percentage of the current 96th District, which I have had the privilege of serving for nearly four years. During that time—and previously during my work as a legislative aide for local General Assembly members—I have learned firsthand about the unique challenges and opportunities facing our region. More importantly, I have consistently worked closely with constituents, businesses, local governments, and other stakeholders to identify policies that will ensure the region remains vibrant, both culturally and economically.

How are you personally invested in the district? (For example, do you own property, own a business, or send your kids to school in the district?)

Like many in our area, I moved to the district courtesy of the United States military. The first place I resided was Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, and I have owned a house in Toano since 2005. My son attended a local private school and subsequently graduated from Virginia Tech. I believe strongly in the importance of investing in our community, and for over fifteen years, I have actively volunteered for political and civic organizations within our area. I take seriously the importance of remaining an engaged citizen, and my husband and I are members of multiple volunteer-based organizations.

What is the biggest problem currently facing your district, and what do you intend to do about it?

Ensuring our local economy is diversified and the cost of living remains reasonable are top concerns. During the 2023 session, I supported funding that ultimately resulted in the recently announced addition of a new facility at Jefferson Lab. This provides a potential for partnership in the Williamsburg area, and I will continue working with local entities to identify how we can capitalize on this opportunity. Meanwhile, inflation is driving higher prices, and housing costs are soaring due to a variety of factors. I have successfully carried legislation to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses, and I strongly supported the repeal of the Commonwealth’s portion of the grocery tax. I will continue working to reduce state-imposed costly regulatory burdens that result in higher costs for Virginians.

In your opinion, what should the role of parents be in public school education?

Studies repeatedly highlight the fact that parents play a critical role in the academic success and classroom behavior of their child. Engaged parents are aware of what their child is learning in school and can identify opportunities for remediation or advancement. Parent-teacher conferences, familiarity with educational materials, and awareness of what is occurring within the classroom are key tools that allow parents to be active and positive forces in shaping a successful future for their child.

Last month, the Associated Press predicted that Virginia will become “the next big battleground for abortion rights” in the United States. Governor Glenn Youngkin has pushed for a 15-week limit on abortions, with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. Where do you stand on this issue?

I believe Virginians can reach consensus on commonsense policies regarding abortion. Most Virginians oppose late-term abortion and are rightfully appalled by the concept of abortion for any reason up until the moment of birth. Governor Youngkin’s proposed 15-week restriction (with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother after 15 weeks) mirrors many longstanding European policies. I expect Virginians can use this proposal to begin a reasonable and science-based policy discussion.

The 71st District is politically divided. If re-elected, how will you ensure that your constituents who disagree with you feel heard?

Disagreement on policy is a feature of our democratic republic; however, every perspective is unique and valuable. As an elected legislator, I serve and represent all constituents—regardless of their political affiliation—and consistently act with respect and civility. Members of my office and I operate professionally and treat every individual with courtesy whether in person, on the phone, via email, or through social media.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?

I understand the importance of working across the aisle to craft commonsense bipartisan policies. In our increasingly diverse Commonwealth, constituents and communities benefit when legislators work collaboratively. Having also resided in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Ohio, California, and Japan, I bring a unique perspective that will be beneficial as the legislature undergoes transformation due to the impacts of redistricting. As the Majority Caucus Chair of the House of Delegates, I am committed to effectively advocating for policies that will tangibly benefit residents of the 71st District.

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Jessica Anderson

PartyAffiliation: Democrat

Race: Virginia House of Delegates District 71

Website:jessicaandersonforva.com

Fast facts: This is Jessica Anderson’s first run for public office. When responding to The Triangle, she emphasized that she is “not a politician” but is an everyday Virginian and community advocate. She currently works as a front office receptionist for Matthew Whaley Elementary School.

What inspired you to run for the Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 71?

Watching the attacks on our nation’s capitol on January 6, 2021 was a political turning point for me. Since then, witnessing further threats to our democracy, the politicization of public education, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade were all the catalysts I needed to decide to run for 71st District Delegate. Our district deserves a leader who will stand up for our reproductive freedoms, ensure our public schools have the resources needed to be successful, and will keep our kids and communities safe from gun violence. I will be that leader.

How are you personally invested in the district? (For example, do you own property, own a business, or send your kids to school in the district?)

My husband Dave and I own a home together in James City County, right in the heart of the 71st District. I’m employed by the WJCC School System as a front office receptionist and our two youngest children attend our public schools. I’m a lifelong Virginian who has lived in both New Kent County and James City County. Dave and I are both very active in the local running community and frequently participate in short and long-distance races around town. I’m looking forward to representing the district that has been my home for the past 21 years. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

What is the biggest problem currently facing your district, and what do you intend to do about it?

While the 71st District is the best place in Virginia to live, work, and raise a family, it’s also becoming increasingly difficult for the average person to be able to afford to live here. Housing costs continue to rise, making it unaffordable for many, particularly those in the tourism industry, to live where they work. Accessibility to healthcare, both preventative and life-saving care, along with prescription drugs is out of reach for many citizens because of high costs. As Delegate, I can do a lot to address economic issues impacting our community, from advocating for a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Virginia, expanding access to healthcare for those who can’t afford coverage, and encouraging localities to address the affordable housing shortage with creative solutions that meet the needs of those living in our community.

In your opinion, what should the role of parents be in public school education?

As a public school employee and mother of 3 daughters (2 of which are currently attending public schools in the 71st District), I have always been an outspoken advocate for ensuring we are properly funding public education and for the necessity of parents to be involved in their children’s education. We all want our children to be successful in school and have the resources and support they need to do well and thrive. Parents have a responsibility to establish an early relationship with their child’s teacher and support staff and keep an open line of communication as challenges and opportunities for growth arise.

Last month, the Associated Press predicted that Virginia will become “the next big battleground for abortion rights” in the United States. Governor Glenn Youngkin has pushed for a 15-week limit on abortions, with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. Where do you stand on this issue?

I support the rule of Roe and the current law in Virginia that has clear guidance after the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Youngkin and Virginia Republicans refuse to acknowledge that a 15 week ban will not impact elective abortions and will simply tie the hands of healthcare providers, putting patients at risk. Healthcare decisions are private and personal and belong between a patient and their provider, not the government or any elected official. Changing Virginia’s current law by putting arbitrary restrictions on abortion access is in fact a ban and goes against what the majority of Virginians and Americans want. I will always support our reproductive freedoms and will fiercely defend them.

The 71st District is politically divided. If elected to this office, how will you ensure that your constituents who disagree with you feel heard?

I know that serving in public office will be a privilege and that not every person will have voted for me to be their next Delegate. I’m looking forward to serving everyone who lives in the 71st District, regardless of political affiliation, because I believe the people are what makes our district so wonderful. Not every constituent will always agree with me on every policy decision, and that’s okay. I know that every person’s opinion is important and valuable and I want to hear it. My office will truly value the constituents and will be available and accessible to all. That is how democracy should work – elected officials seeking the input of those they represent, including them in the legislative process, and keeping them informed and engaged every step of the way.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?

I’m not a politician. I’m just an everyday Virginian, wife, mother, and community advocate who is concerned about the needs of her district and wants to ensure they are being properly addressed. Many years ago, I personally dealt with financial hardships, including a difficult divorce, and struggled to put food on the table and provide health insurance for my daughters. I know the difficulties many people in our community face day to day because I’ve lived it. I also know having the right people in government has the power to improve people’s lives for the better. I’m ready to serve and ensure that every citizen has the same opportunities to thrive as I have had.