Richardson announces candidacy for 100 District House of Delegates seat

Liz Richardson, an Eastern Shore native, has officially announced her candidacy for the Virginia House of Delegates in District 100.

Richardson, who most recently worked as a farmer advocate, said her decision to run comes after the loss of her position following significant funding cuts to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. She says the reductions, implemented by the Trump Administration, eliminated over $1 billion in support for initiatives that provided local produce to schools and food pantries, among others.

“Too often, rural voices are left out of policy conversations that directly impact their lives,” said Richardson. “I’m running to make sure we are not only heard, but that we are shaping the future of Virginia in a way that uplifts all our people—especially those who’ve been overlooked for too long.”

Her candidacy follows remarks she gave in April at a Northampton County Democratic Committee meeting, where she discussed the economic toll of federal cuts on the Shore’s agricultural sector. Richardson emphasized her campaign will focus on building bridges across differences and ensuring communities receive the support they need.

A native of the Eastern Shore, Richardson comes from a family of farmers, watermen, teachers, and first responders. Her career has spanned education, nonprofit leadership, healthcare, and spiritual care—experience she says has deepened her commitment to service.

Richardson joins Mr. Rocco DeBellis in seeking the Democratic nomination for District 100, which includes Virginia’s Eastern Shore and parts of Virginia Beach. The winner will face five-term Republican incumbent Robert S. Bloxom Jr. in November.