Virginia Capitol Connections, Winter 2023 22 Eleven years can be thought of in many ways. 4015 days, or 132.1 months. What one can do in those years is extraordinary – Delegate Ransone did beyond extraordinary during her eleven years of service to the House of Delegates. As she nears retirement from the House and the General Assembly, it’s crucial to recognize the hard work and dedication she brought to her constituents and how she served the Commonwealth well. Delegate Ransone started her fight for constituents with a tough threeway primary and won the vote by a large margin with 61.25%. Delegate Ransone represents what’s known as the “Northern Neck” of Virginia. After winning her 2011 election, Delegate Ransom returned to her birthplace of Richmond, Virginia, but this time, to proudly serve her district as a member of the House of Delegates. For the past decade, she has served on the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. In that role, she makes up the 5.41% of House members who work in one of Virginia’s most crucial industries — agriculture. More specifically, she is a working waterman, a traditional Virginia industry dating back to colonial times. During her final term, Delegate Ransone has served as Chair of the Privileges and Elections Committee not only requires diligence but commitment. Delegate Ransone is the chair of one of the most debated committees amidst accusations of election illegitimacy. However, during her time as chair, it’s evident that Delegate Ransone doesn’t let that get in her way. Allison Robbins, chair of the Voter Registrars Association of Virginia, commented, “As chair of VRAV’s Legislative Committee, I was privileged to work closely with Delegate Ransone on a number of bills that were introduced during her time as chair of the P&E House committee. Del. Ransone was committed to ensuring that Virginia continues to have an electoral process that is transparent, accurate, and best serves the citizens of the Commonwealth. She will be missed. I wish her well in her retirement, and I am grateful for the work we were able to accomplish together.” In a time of fierce debate over elections and their legitimacy, it is clear that Delegate Ransone focused on ensuring that the electoral process of Virginia is one that the people of the Commonwealth can trust. These sentiments were amplified by comments from Walt Latham, Director of Elections/General Registrar at York County, that “Del. Ransone was assigned to the Privileges and Elections Committee and took her work seriously. She had an open door to the state’s election officials regarding election processes, and that was always helpful in reaching a result that best served the citizens of Virginia.”. This alone is only a fraction of Delegate Ransone’s story. When she’s not serving in the House, Delegate Ransone is seen supporting public schools, local law enforcement, and those who uplift and keep Virginia’s communities together. Delegate Ransone undoubtedly served the citizens of Virginia fiercely and with dedication. It’s not difficult to see why she served for so long and earned the promotions she did. Although her time is ending in the House, Delegate Ransone’s effect on the House won’t be forgotten any time soon. Virginians thank Ransone for her service and her commitment to her constituents. Gemma Najarro is a student intern with David Bailey Associates. Delegate Glenn Davis left his seat in the Virginia General Assembly to join the Youngkin Administration as Director of the Virginia Department of Energy. A fitting step for someone who describes himself as a public servant, business owner, and serial entrepreneur. The Glenn Davis story begins when, as a recent George Mason University graduate, he started a telecommunications management firm. This led to a series of other technologyrelated companies in the Tidewater area. Along the way, he received a Masters Degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Not satisfied with success in business, Davis then turned to politics. His first election was for the Virginia Beach City Council, where he defeated a long-time incumbent. He was re-elected and then served on that body for five years. He then ran for the Virginia House of Delegates where he was first elected in 2013 and served until this year when he left to join the Administration. During his time in the General Assembly, he continued to utilize his knowledge and expertise in technology and science. He was a consistent advocate for economic development, tax reform, and Virginia small businesses. But that was not the end. During the 2022 and 2023 sessions, Delegate Davis served as Chair of the House Education Committee in addition to Chairing the Education Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. In those roles, he brought a vision of how to make public education in Virginia, at all levels, both more effective and innovative. Glenn Davis now moves on to a new challenge — energy. He will be leading the Virginia Department of Energy which is responsible for developing a reliable and responsible energy future for the Commonwealth. The agency is charged with implementing Governor Youngkin’s All American All-of-the Above Energy Plan. For those of us who worked with Delegate Davis in the General Assembly, he was always accessible and a quick study. He was always willing to hear new ideas and if convinced become their advocate. The characteristics and skills he has shown through his public and private career should serve him well in his new role. James Turpin has held various roles in government and is now a lobbyist. Promoting the value of outdoor advertising to the public and businesses across the Commonwealth. Margaret Ransone Delegate 2012-2024 BY GEMMA NAJARRO Glenn Davis Delegate 2014-2023 BY JAMES TURPIN
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