Gary Sheehan, the Dinwiddie GOP Chair, emphasized Delegate Kim Taylor’s pragmatic approach to public safety and local issues as she faces a closely contested reelection. According to Sheehan, who spoke with the Richmond Leader, Republican voter turnout will be crucial in this race.
“[Taylor’s] not ideological in any way, shape or form,” said Sheehan. “She tries to represent the people of the district that she’s responsible for. And she has tried very hard to work in Petersburg, and she’s done a great job with that, to try and talk to the people of Petersburg about what do they need, what do they want?”
Sheehan explained that Taylor decided to run for office in 2021 after her daughter, then a student at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), expressed concerns about crime in Richmond. This initial campaign ended a decade-long Democratic dominance in the district. Since then, Sheehan noted that Taylor has concentrated on practical matters such as road funding, maternal health, and education reforms.
He further described Taylor’s campaign as focused on addressing local needs rather than ideology. In Petersburg, for instance, she has reportedly secured millions of dollars for infrastructure improvements. Sheehan portrayed her as a problem-solver who collaborates across communities while maintaining strong support for law enforcement and economic development.
Sheehan also expressed concern about external Democratic funding and progressive policies potentially altering Virginia’s political landscape. He warned voters of the risks associated with not participating in the election: “I think most importantly, I would like [voters] to know that if they don’t come out to vote, they risk losing the government of Virginia to the leftist progressive mob.” He argued that Democrats in the race are “elitist progressives” disconnected from voters on key issues like public safety, parental rights, and labor laws. The outcome in Taylor’s district will depend heavily on Republican turnout: “Either our voters show up, or we lose.”
Kim Taylor is a small business owner from Petersburg who was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2021 after defeating Democratic incumbent Lashrecse Aird. According to Ballotpedia, she now represents the newly drawn 82nd District covering Petersburg, Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Surry. A VCU graduate and co-owner of two auto repair shops with her husband, Taylor has built her political profile around public safety and economic growth. Narrowly re-elected in 2023 by just 53 votes, she is seeking a third term in 2025 against Democrat Kimberly Pope Adams in one of Virginia’s most competitive races.
