Dickenson County, VA BOS approves resolution requesting special election for 38th District state Senate vacancy

Leaders in Dickenson County, VA have unanimously approved a resolution requesting that Gov. Ralph Northam or the Virginia Senate call a special election to fill the 38th District Senate seat vacated in the death of Sen. Ben Chafin.

Chafin’s passing from COVID-19 on Jan. 1 leaves a number of Southwest Virginia counties potentially unrepresented as lawmakers return to Richmond Wednesday for the 2021 General Assembly session.

As of Tuesday, Dickenson County Sheriff Deputy Jony Baker and Lebanon Town Council member Elijah Leonard have announced their runs for the Republican nomination for the district seat.