Del. Amanda Batten, R-James City County, is seeking reelection this November in a competitive district during a challenging political climate for Republicans. She discussed her race Tuesday night at a New Kent County Republican Committee meeting.
“It’s a very competitive district,” Batten said. “My margin of victory will be people who turn out in New Kent County to offset some of my more progressive friends, say, over in the city of Williamsburg and perhaps at the College of William and Mary.”
The district is made up of 71% James City County, 15% Williamsburg and 14% New Kent County. Batten defeated Democrat Jessica Anderson, who is running against her again, by less than two points in 2023. Analysis from the Virginia Public Access Project shows that Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris won this district by nearly five points in 2024.
Batten urged the roughly 150 Republicans in attendance not to become complacent after Donald Trump’s 2024 victory and to stay engaged for this year’s elections.
“Make no mistake, this year’s election is not just as important…it is more important than what happened last year, because the laws that are passed here in Virginia by the legislature and signed into law by the governor impact each and every Virginian on a day-to-day basis,” Batten said.
She also highlighted issues aimed at energizing the Republican base, saying the party had kept men out of women’s sports and protected law enforcement.
Anderson, who is hoping to have the support to win the second time around, accused Batten of being out of touch with residents in the district.
“I’m from this community and started my family in New Kent County,” Anderson said in a statement to Virginia Scope. “I’ve also lived in Virginia my entire life. While my opponent complains about her lack of support from voters, I’m out every day knocking doors and having meaningful conversations.”
Anderson did agree with Batten on one thing: this district is competitive.
“This seat is competitive, and if recent attendance numbers at the Spanberger event in New Kent are any indication, Democrats have the momentum and energy on our side,” Anderson said.
At the last campaign finance filing deadline on June 30, Batten reported having $271,950 cash on hand compared to Anderson’s $280,004.
Early voting begins Sept. 19.