Meet Lily
My name is Lily Franklin and I'm a Democrat running for Delegate in Virginia's new 41st District. I grew up in SWVA and spent the majority of my life in these mountains. My brother and I both graduated from Northside High School. I completed a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Longwood University while my brother started a small business in Christiansburg. My parents and father’s grandparents live in SWVA, as well as most of my mother’s family. My SWVA roots go deep. I know that Virginia doesn’t end in Charlottesville and I have shared in the pain of neglect with my neighbors.
I spent the better part of the last seven years of my life fighting a pitched battle for the citizens of SWVA. Beginning as a staffer with Delegate Sam Rasoul, I learned how to be a savvy outsider that can wrestle legislative victories to get work done for our neighbors. I used that platform to develop a bill writing program that put local constituents in charge of the legislative process. Upon promotion to Chief of Staff for Delegate Rasoul, I assisted in writing legislation that resulted in a grant program for local food and farming infrastructure being passed. We championed legislation to establish maximum contaminant levels for the cancer-causing & deadly "forever" chemicals in drinking water.
I can put a proven record, established contacts, and an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of our Commonwealth’s government to work for SWVA in the newly created district. I know the problems we face in SWVA because I live here. I can bring concrete solutions to these problems from Richmond because I’ve worked there.
Our region deserves the tools to create a future where we can thrive in all stages of life. I want to ensure every child gets a world-class education, that our recent graduates can get good-paying jobs right here in their hometowns, that working families have the resources they need to be healthy and successful, and that we fight so our aging population can retire with dignity in their own homes.
My dog, Poppy, and I make our home in Blacksburg and look forward to tackling the issues with our friends and neighbors in the 41st District. Feel free to reach out to me anytime at Lily@lilyfordelegate.com.
This is our home, and I want it to be the best possible place to raise a family, live, and retire. I hope you’ll join me in making the rural voice heard this November
​
My very best,
​
​
​
Lily Franklin
Democrat for Delegate, HD-41