Freshman Delegate, Eric Zehr Eager To Return For Sophomore Stint
Campbell County, VA –
From local Republican Party Chairman to Delegate, Freshman legislator Eric Zehr launches his reelection campaign to serve another two-year term in Richmond. Zehr, a family man of deep faith and conservative conviction, was a reliable conservative vote in the General Assembly last session; he wants to go back and fight for change. A graduate of Liberty University with both a B.A. and an M.A., Zehr also served as a member of the Campbell County Board of Supervisors from 2013-2017, providing him with highly valuable insight into the relationship between local and state government, including the burdens of unfunded mandates passed on to local taxpayers.
In the House of Delegates, Zehr has taken on key roles as a member of several influential committees. His work on these committees reflects his commitment to addressing critical issues facing Virginians:
| Committee | Role |
|---|---|
| Education | Member |
| Transportation | Member |
These assignments have enabled Zehr to influence policies impacting education, infrastructure, and the daily lives of Virginians. Through his committee work, he has been a steadfast advocate for improving schools, enhancing transportation systems, and upholding the conservative values that matter most to his constituents.
In his press release, Zehr emphasized his proud support for conservative values and highlighted his proactive approach during his first year in session.
“During my first year in session, I went on the offense! Here are some of the bills I supported”
| Bill/Resolution | Description |
|---|---|
| HB 404 | Prohibits the use of taxpayer funds for abortions. |
| HJ 86 | Affirms the biological differences between the sexes through a formal resolution. |
| HB 1198 | Eliminates fees for obtaining concealed carry permits. |
| HB 1230 | Permits trained school officials to carry firearms on campus. |
| HB 1176 | Mandates voter ID for elections. |
| HB 932 | Reduces the election period from 45 days to 14 days. |
| HB 1206 | Prohibits sexually explicit materials in public libraries. |
| HB 1180 | Establishes a tax credit for individuals educating their children at home. |
In a recent statement, Zehr outlined his key legislative priorities, saying,
“These bills reflect what you and I believe. We believe that life should be protected, that children should be safe from pornographic materials in school libraries, that our 2A rights should be protected, and that we need election reform in Virginia. With the Democrats in control, they are stopping us from comprehensively achieving our legislative goals. However, this will not deter me from continuing to advocate for these issues. We must secure a majority in the Virginia House in 2025 and remain focused on these critical topics. If we are silent, future generations will judge our silence.”
Heading into the Christmas season, Zehr aims to solidify his Republican base and enter January’s legislative session with momentum, ready to champion bold reforms focused on reducing the scope of government.
Key to this strategy is a growing list of endorsements from prominent local officials, highlighted by Virginia's Lt. Governor and gubernatorial front-runner Winsome Earle-Sears. Earle-Sears, a strong supporter of Zehr’s vision, headlined a summer fundraiser for him in Moneta, VA, underscoring the alignment between the two leaders as they push forward a shared conservative agenda.
To see all the legislation Eric Zehr has sponsored, visit his profile on VPAP
District Overview and Election History
Eric Zehr represents the 51st House District, which includes portions of Bedford County, Campbell County, and Pittsylvania County. Here are key metrics for the district:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Registered Voters |
Bedford County (Part): 27,407
Campbell County (Part): 35,115
Pittsylvania County (Part): 2,378
|
| Racial Makeup |
82.4% White
10.7% Black
0.8% Asian
6.2% Other
|
| Hispanic Ethnicity | 2.6% |
| District Composition |
Bedford County (Part): 42.23%
Campbell County (Part): 54.11%
Pittsylvania County (Part): 3.66%
|
| Election | Results |
|---|---|
| 2024 Presidential |
Trump: 75.1% Harris: 23.8% |
| 2023 Delegate |
Zehr: 72.6% Moran: 21.3% Fariss: 6.0% |
| 2021 Governor |
Youngkin: 79.2% McAuliffe: 20.3% |
Campaign Finance
As of the latest campaign finance disclosures, Eric Zehr's campaign reports $13,006 in cash on hand and a total of $4,470 raised. These figures reflect his campaign's financial positioning as he gears up for the upcoming election.
VAREDWATCH has classified this district as a Safe Republican
This rating reflects Eric Zehr's strong conservative platform and the district's consistent Republican lean in recent years. Zehr’s reliable voter support, combined with Republican dominance in prior elections, such as Glenn Youngkin’s commanding 61.2% win in the 2021 governor’s race, solidifies this classification. With a secure voter base and a history of GOP success, the district is expected to remain firmly in Republican hands
To learn more about this candidate, visit their campaign site here: Home | Zehr for Virginia | 51st District