Roberta Thacker Oliver, Chair of the Virginia Democratic Rural Caucus, joins the New Rural Virginia Podcast to reflect on Election 2025, discuss the future of rural organizing, and share insights on building a stronger, more connected Commonwealth.

As the countdown to Election Day continues, co-hosts Parson Brown and Larry Wohlers follow up with HD 61 candidate Jac Bennington, a teacher, Army veteran, and National Guard pilot. The conversation explores what he is hearing from voters, the tone of this year’s races, and how voices from rural Virginia are shaping campaigns and leadership across the Commonwealth.

Learn more about Jac Bennington’s campaign at:   www.benningtonforvirginia.com

Donna Littlepage, candidate for Virginia House District 40, returns to New Rural Virginia podcast to share updates from the campaign trail and discuss the rising cost of living, access to quality healthcare, and the need for bipartisan cooperation in Richmond. As election day approaches, she offers her perspective on the recent government shutdown and the importance of finding common ground in the legislature.

Learn more: Littlepage4VA.com

A lifelong Virginian, former mayor, and educator with over 26 years in public education, Mary Person has led initiatives for free community college, first-time homebuyer programs, and safer neighborhoods. She’s focused on strong public schools, accessible health care, and economic growth for all Virginians.

Learn more: www.PersonForDelegate.com

Delegate Josh Thomas is a Marine Corps veteran, attorney, and public servant representing Virginia’s 21st House District. He focuses on equitable housing and accountable growth and shares insights on the impacts of federal funding reductions.

Learn more: www.JetforVA.comhttps://seedandspark.com/fund/river-maid#story

Joy Powers, candidate for Virginia House of Delegates District 51, rejoins the New Rural Virginia Podcast to discuss early voting and her H.O.M.E. plan — Healthcare, Opportunity, Market Affordability, and Education.

Learn more: www.JoyForVA.com

Forrest Miller is a 20-year U.S. Army veteran and former White House Communication Agency engineer. A political moderate, he’s running to support local governments, protect healthcare access, defend childhood vaccines, and bring practical leadership to issues like data center development.

Learn more: www.ForrestMiller4va.com

NewRuralVa.org

Senator Tim Kaine joins the New Rural Virginia Podcast to discuss the issues shaping rural communities, the role they play in the future of the Commonwealth, and what’s at stake in this year’s House of Delegates election.

Learn more: www.Kaine.senate.gov

Produced and co-hosted by Larry Wohlers and Parson Brown

Shane Boswell brings a record of service and problem-solving, from serving in the U.S. Navy to leading teams in critical infrastructure. He’s running to put that same dedication to work for families in House District 31.

Learn more: www.ShaneBoswell.com

Donna Littlepage brings decades of health care leadership, helping grow Carilion Clinic into the largest nonprofit medical system in rural Virginia. She plans to bring that proven leadership to House District 40.