Walker seeking Democratic nomination for 81st District seat

Henrico County resident Terrence Walker recently announced that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 81st District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Walker has lived in Henrico for 20 years and has been heavily involved with the community, including serving as the current vice chair of the Henrico County Democratic Committee and representing Varina on the Henrico County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and as a volunteer with Henrico County Public Schools.

Whether it’s through his involvement or walking along the Virginia Capital Trail with neighbors, Walker has formed strong bonds with community members and hopes to bring his passion for benefiting families of the 81st district to the General Assembly.

“I know the area and it really knows me in terms of the shared values and beliefs,” Walker said. “I communicate with voters what it means to live across the 81st District as a single and working parent and someone who just wants nothing but the best for our community.”

Because of changes to Virginia’s state and congressional voting districts that took place in Dec. 2021, there are no incumbent Delegates who live in the 81st district. This leaves Walker in a unique but exciting position to attempt to become the first delegate from the newly shaped district, he said.

“I think this can become the oasis test model, I'm hoping if elected as an official of this new district to show what we could have across Virginia as we try new ideas and new approaches in the General Assembly,” Walker said.

Two of the three main issues Walker plans to focus on are education and the economy and how they intersect.

Through his personal experience with the challenges that working families face covering childcare and accessing education, Walker hopes to advocate for resources that provide all students access to education.

“The K-12 grade levels are really the gateway to further economic development and advancement,” Walker said. “We always need to focus on how we can put our students in a better position to succeed and that means focusing on quality education.”

As someone who has faced challenges dealing with a health crisis and losing a loved one when his wife died after a battle with cancer, Walker has been a strong proponent of Virginia statewide paid family leave.

“Some of the challenges I faced when my wife was dealing with advanced stage cancer is the struggle trying to figure out when she had to be admitted, picked up by an ambulance, who was going to take my son to school and if I should work or not work,” Walker said.

Walker is optimistic that Virginia can provide paid leave and the long-term benefits it will offer Virginia residents.

“I think we can do it in the state of Virginia responsibly within the budget parameters,” Walker said. “But Virginia needs a very strong solid workforce, and it cannot have that as families aren't providing what they need to raise their children to deal with loved ones who are ill.”

As a resident of the scenic Varina area, the third pillar of Walker’s campaign is environmental conservation.

“All of the scenic view is something that we need to preserve and to expand upon because there's so many health benefits to living and working and playing in a healthy environment,” Walker said.