Willett, Kastelberg prepare for rematch in 73rd District

Voters in Henrico’s 73rd House of Delegates district will face two familiar options when they go to the polls Nov. 2: Democratic Delegate Rodney Willett is again facing off against Republican challenger Mary Margaret Kastelberg in a rematch of Willett’s victory two years ago.

Willett is seeking a second term in a district that was long held by Republicans but fell to the Democrats in the last two elections. Democrats maintained control of the House in 2019, when Willett beat Kastelberg with 52.2% of the vote.

The 73rd District encompasses much of western Henrico – including precincts in the Tuckahoe, Three Chopt, Quioccasin and Staples Mill corridors – and a portion of northwest Richmond. The district is part of the 7th Congressional District.

This race is a key battleground for both parties again this year. As the first day of early voting (Sept. 17) approaches, Willett and Kastelberg are preparing for a tight contest in a district that has become increasingly diverse during the past few years.

Alex Keena, an assistant professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, is among the political analysts who see the district as a bellwether.

"It used to be a very solidly red district for many years," Keena said. "And it has changed over time. This part of Henrico, in particular, has become more diverse. It's become more Democratic-leaning, and it's probably become more affluent as well."

Willett said that he sees some of these changes every day.

"There are three mosques that I can drive to within 12 minutes from my house that did not exist a decade ago here in Henrico," he said. "You can see cricket being played on playing fields in Henrico County. That didn't happen when I was growing up around this area.

"I think what we're reflecting is a much broader spectrum of people. I think it's been a great cultural change for the county that's come along with that."

The General Assembly’s passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, Virginia’s Clean Economy Act and other legislation represented more inclusive policies that Willett said he would continue to support. Another term would allow him to help protect the progress that’s been made so far and add to it, he said.

Willett, a graduate of The College of William & Mary, grew up in Henrico and has lived in the county for the last 22 years. He is a small business entrepreneur and attorney. He and his wife, Lydia, have three children.

Willett sits on the Finance, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Health, Welfare and Institutions committees. He is also chair of HWI’s Behavioral Health subcommittee and subcommittees of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Finance.

Kastelberg: Constituents are ‘very frustrated’

Kastelberg contends that issues most important to voters aren’t being addressed. She said that’s the message she’s received from knocking on thousands of doors.

"They're very frustrated," Kastelberg said. "A lot of them have some deep concerns about education, the pocketbook issues, among others, and they feel like they're not being heard."

According to her campaign website, Kastelberg's priorities for Henrico focus on protecting consumers and rebuilding small businesses. She also wants to “keep politics out of the classroom” and be a fresh voice for the district.

"I really think that's what this job is all about," she said. "It's trying to make people's quality of life reliable, healthy, and, you know, full of opportunities for people and their families. And if we have representatives that aren't accessible or visible or available to listen to where people are, I think we're missing the point."

Raised in Henrico, Kastelberg has deep roots in the community. After graduating from St. Catherine's School she went on to graduate from Princeton University. She later earned her MBA in finance at UVA. She is married to Eugene Kastelberg, and the couple has two children.

Kastelberg said her focus is on the constituents of the district.

"In terms of strategy, and addressing the needs of the population, I think that the way you do that is the same regardless of what the demographics are,” she said. “And that is, you need to go out and talk with people in the district."

Richard Meagher, a political science professor at Randolph-Macon College, said demographic changes and complex Republican politics from the Trump era remain factors in the district. Among the questions the race may settle in this district, he said, is how much of Virginia’s “blue wave” is attributable to demographics or distaste for former President Donald Trump.

Said Keena, “There’s so many different divides going on."

Like many districts in Virginia, this race will also reveal a new dynamic in the politics of locality.

"I think this [race] is part of a larger trend, and Henrico certainly reflects it, where suburbs are becoming more like cities, as opposed to being more like rural areas," Meagher said.

Based on data from the Virginia Public Access Project, Willett has raised $358,235 for his campaign this year, while Kastelberg has raised $152,952.

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For details about each candidate's fundraising, visit https://www.vpap.org/offices/house-of-delegates-73/elections/.