Ellen Campbell: Building on Legacy and Leadership in Virginia’s 36th District
Waynesboro, VA-
Ellen Campbell’s political journey is unique. As the widow of beloved former Virginia State Trooper and Rockbridge County Delegate Ronnie Campbell, one might speculate that she would face challenges in stepping into her late husband's shoes. However, that could not be further from the truth.
Ellen Campbell has quietly risen through the ranks during her brief tenure, becoming an influential player in Richmond. Serving on the prestigious Appropriations Committee, she has proven adept at handling state finances. The Appropriations Committee, which allocates state funds, is one of the most coveted assignments in the General Assembly, and Campbell's role there places her in a critical position to shape Virginia’s budget and fund key initiatives in her district. Additionally, she serves on the Counties, Cities, and Towns and General Laws Committees, positioning her to have a voice on many important pieces of legislation.
Campbell’s reelection announcement focused on her passion for improving the quality of life for working-class citizens in rural Virginia. Her priorities include expanding access to healthcare services along the I-81 corridor.
“I’ve had the privilege of traveling across the Commonwealth through the Rural Health Care and Behavioral Health Commissions,” Ellen shared. “I've had the opportunity to speak with healthcare providers, community members, and key stakeholders to better understand the challenges our constituents face in accessing healthcare services.”
Delegate Campbell and her staff have been working diligently to identify solutions to these challenges. “Our findings have revealed several persistent barriers, including limited access to care, transportation issues, shortages of doctors and nurses, and complications related to insurance — particularly Medicaid reimbursement rates. Addressing these obstacles, especially in rural areas, remains a top priority for me in the legislature.”
Additionally, Campbell expressed her strong support for law enforcement, a value she has carried over from her many years spent in the law enforcement community with her late husband. She highlighted the critical issue of Temporary Detention Orders (TDOs) and Emergency Custody Orders (ECOs), which have been a hot topic in the legislative agenda for the law enforcement community.
“In many cases, officers are required to stay with patients for extended periods of time, sometimes days, as they await appropriate placement,” she explained. “I’m committed to advancing legislation that will ease the burden on officers, ensuring our constituents receive the care they need while keeping our communities safe.”
As a mother and grandmother, Campbell is deeply concerned with the education and well-being of future generations. She is also focused on addressing the child care affordability crisis that working-class parents are increasingly facing. The rising costs of daycare and housing are leaving many families with difficult choices to make.
“Our children’s education is a top priority for me,” Campbell said. “Through my work on the Health Committees, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges facing the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) program, including childcare deserts, limited availability, and affordability issues. Last year, I supported the Governor’s historic investments in ECCE because I understand the profound impact early childhood care has on both our children’s futures and Virginia’s workforce. I will continue to advocate for the ECCE program and fight for policies that prioritize the well-being and success of our children.”
Confident in her ability to make a difference, Campbell concluded, “I am running for re-election to the 36th House District to fight for better healthcare, stronger support for our law enforcement officers, lower taxes, improved education, and a brighter future for all Virginians.”
With a proven track record of advocating for rural Virginians and addressing key issues such as healthcare, law enforcement, and education, Ellen Campbell is well-positioned to return to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2026. Here are the committees she has served in during her time in office:
| Committee | Role |
|---|---|
| Appropriations | Member |
| Counties, Cities and Towns | Member |
| General Laws | Member |
To see all the legislation Ellen Campbell has sponsored, visit his profile on VPAP
District Overview and Election History
Ellen Campbell has served in the House of Delegates since 2023 representing:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Registered Voters |
Augusta County (Part): 21,159
Staunton City: 18,114
Waynesboro City: 15,634
Rockbridge County (Part): 6,557
|
| Racial Makeup |
82.6% White
7.9% Black
5.9% Multiracial
1.0% Asian
2.4% Other
|
| Hispanic Ethnicity | 4.7% |
| District Percentage |
Augusta County (Part): 34.43%
Staunton City: 29.47%
Waynesboro City: 25.44%
Rockbridge County (Part): 10.67%
|
| Election | Results |
|---|---|
| Presidential 2024 |
Trump: 58.6% Harris: 39.8% |
| Delegate 2023 |
Campbell: 60.09% Wolf: 39.83% |
| Governor 2021 |
Youngkin: 63.5% McAuliffe: 35.6% |
Campaign Finance
As of June, Ellen Campbell’s campaign financial disclosures reveal a solid financial foundation for her reelection bid. Her campaign has raised a total of $10,985, with $22,887 in cash on hand. This indicates a healthy fundraising effort and financial stability as she prepares for the 2025 legislative session. With a significant balance in her campaign coffers, Campbell is well-positioned to continue her efforts to secure support from constituents and further her legislative agenda, particularly in areas like healthcare, law enforcement, education, and tax reform.
VAREDWATCH has this as a Safe Republican.
VAREDWATCH designates Ellen Campbell's district as a "Safe Republican" seat, which highlights her strong position heading into the 2025 election cycle. With a commanding victory in 2023, securing 60.09% of the vote, Campbell has demonstrated solid electoral support within her district. Additionally, the district's political leanings, including a 58.6% vote for Trump in the 2024 presidential election, further reinforce her standing within the Republican Party. Her campaign’s financial strength, with a healthy cash balance and consistent fundraising, also adds to her advantage. Given these factors—her legislative influence, strong local support, and the district's conservative makeup—Campbell is poised to retain her seat with relative ease in the upcoming election.