Three announce candidacies for Rush’s seat in Virginia House of Delegates

Three people have announced their candidacies for the Seventh District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Republican Nick Rush prompted the announcements last week when he broke the news on Facebook that he would not seek a sixth term in the House.

So far Sherri Blevins, Marie March and Lowell Bowman III have announced their desire to replace Rush in Richmond.

Blevins, a Montgomery County businesswoman issued a press statement last week announcing her candidacy.

She noted her surprise and disappointment at learning Rush’s decision not to run again.

“Nick has been an outstanding delegate for those, like myself and my family, who are blessed to call the 7th District home,” she said.

“As both a mentor and friend, his leadership experiences and successes helped prepare me for my service on the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. I am personally and professionally grateful.”

Blevins said, if elected, she will “defend our Constitutional rights and the rights of the unborn as I boldly fight for our conservative values.”

“With the support of my family and the many who have reached out with their encouragement, I will work hard to keep the New River Valley as the best place to live, work, raise a family, and retire.”

Bowman threw his hat in the ring this week.

From Riner, Bowman is a contractor and farmer who says he is committed to “victory over the attack on Virginians’ freedom of speech and right to own and bear arms.”

“We must fight to keep our 1st amendment strong and protect free speech for all Virginians. It disappoints me to see Americans treated differently than Democrats by the Media and on Social Media. Our 2nd Amendment is essential to our freedom and is a Constitutional Right. This Right must be

protected for all Virginians. My faith in God provides a solid moral compass that will help guide me.”

In a statement announcing his candidacy, Bowman said he is

Pro-Life and will work diligently to protect the rights of the most innocent of all, the unborn.

“I am among those the Founders of America called the common working man, the very ones in whose hands they placed the preservation of our nation by giving us the Right to Vote.

“I started from nothing, working jobs for employers for decades until I was able to start my own business, therefore, I know

what it is to work for a living,” he stated.

He noted that having been involved in multiple businesses in Southwest Virginia, he understands how difficult it is to “comply with all the government regulations and pay the heavy taxes (real estate, payroll, heavy use tax, IFTA and more).”

“So I will advocate for small business in Richmond by

taking opportunities to stop government over-reach.”

March is the owner of Christiansburg restaurants Due South BBQ and Fatback Soul Shack. She made her candidacy known recently via Facebook post.

Neither March nor Bowman have held public office before. Blevins has been a member of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors since 2019.

By MIKE WILLIAMS, The Patriot