2-0 in Recounts, Delegate Kim Taylor Seeks 3rd Term to Continue Progress With Petersburg Revitalization
Dinwiddie County, VA-
No stranger to tough elections, the small but mighty Kim Taylor has emerged victorious in a series of razor-thin races, with some of her wins coming down to recounts. Taylor’s victories in her Petersburg-based district underscore a key sentiment: voters in the area feel neglected by previous Democratic leaders in Richmond. This sentiment echoes across the 4th Congressional District—just ask Delegate Otto Wachsmann (R), who represents the region south of Petersburg. In 2021, Wachsmann flipped a traditionally Democratic, largely Black seat by focusing on delivering results for his constituents. Similarly, many voters in the district have started splitting their tickets or even abandoning their longtime party affiliation, seeking hope in the form of real economic opportunities.
Taylor has carved out a reputation as a leader who prioritizes results and works across party lines to better her community. Her efforts have focused on revitalizing the local economy, securing jobs, and improving infrastructure. One of her signature accomplishments was her role in the reopening of the historic Hotel Petersburg, which had been a dilapidated eyesore. Through the Partnership for Petersburg, Taylor collaborated with Governor Glenn Youngkin, local stakeholders, and former State Senator Joe Morrissey in a bipartisan effort to revitalize the old Ramada Inn. Until Taylor secured funding for the project, the building was a leading contender for the title of "Ugliest Building in Virginia". Now, thanks to her determination, the eyesore is gone, and the area is on its way to revitalization.
Taylor won re-election because she has stayed focused on the issues that matter most to voters, transcending party lines and racial divides. "Since 2022, I’ve successfully worked to increase funding for teachers and law enforcement, expand broadband access, and stand up for Petersburg and communities across the 82nd District. But there’s still work to do, which is why I’m excited to run for re-election this November," she said.
Despite her success, Taylor knows that this year’s election will be another hard-fought battle. Democrats have targeted her seat in their efforts to gain a majority, but Taylor is confident she can fend off the challenge. "Our campaign is focused on results and being a proactive leader for our community. I’m proud of my record standing up for hardworking Virginians, especially in the face of rising costs. I remain committed to being the leader the 82nd District deserves."
Though her district leans blue at the national level, Taylor’s ability to connect with voters across party lines has been a defining factor in her success. Her ability to secure key financial investments for Petersburg in partnership with the Youngkin-Sears administration, as well as her track record of winning tough races, has solidified her position as a formidable incumbent.
| Committee | Role |
|---|---|
| Communications, Technology and Innovation | Member |
| Health and Human Services | Member |
| Public Safety | Member |
To see all the legislation Kim Taylor has sponsored, visit her profile on VPAP
District Overview and Election History
Kim Taylor has been serving District 82 since 2022. Here is a breakdown of her district:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Registered Voters |
Petersburg City: 23,752
Dinwiddie County (Part): 18,774
Prince George County (Part): 15,981
Surry County (Part): 5,643
|
| Racial Makeup |
45.1% White
45.8% Black
5.2% Multiracial
0.8% Asian
3.1% Other
|
| Hispanic Ethnicity | 4.9% |
| District Percentage |
Petersburg City: 37.03%
Dinwiddie County (Part): 29.27%
Prince George County (Part): 24.91%
Surry County (Part): 8.8%
|
| Election | Results |
|---|---|
| Presidential 2024 |
Trump: 47.5% Harris: 51.4% |
| Delegate 2023 |
Taylor: 50.06% Adams: 49.78% |
| Governor 2021 |
Youngkin: 50.6% McAuliffe: 48.5% |
Campaign Finance
As of January 2025, Kim Taylor’s campaign finance disclosures show a strong financial position, with $12,380 in cash on hand and a total of $90,999 raised to date. These figures highlight the significant support she has garnered as she prepares for the upcoming election.
VAREDWATCH has this as a Toss-Up.
VAREDWATCH has labeled Kim Taylor’s race as a Toss-Up due to the highly competitive nature of her district, which has seen a shift in voter sentiment. Despite Taylor’s track record of delivering results—such as securing key investments for Petersburg and working across party lines—her district remains a battleground. While traditionally Democratic, voters in the area have become more willing to split their tickets or even abandon the party in search of economic opportunities, as seen in Delegate Otto Wachsmann’s 2021 victory. This trend suggests that Taylor’s ability to appeal to voters across party and racial lines will be put to the test in 2025. Additionally, the Democratic Party has targeted her seat in hopes of flipping it, making her race a highly contested one. Her relatively narrow victories in the past, coupled with her district’s shifting political landscape, are key reasons why VAREDWATCH has categorized the race as a Toss-Up