Virginia Senate candidate Monty Mason’s closing pitch

Incumbent Democratic Sen. Monty Mason faces former sheriff Danny Diggs in Hampton Roads-area SD-24.

Mason has served in Virginia’s legislature since 2013. He’s regarded as a pro-business Democrat who’s a leader in the General Assembly on transportation infrastructure, foster care, and aging issues. Mason is also a staunch supporter of reproductive rights and gun safety. His GOP opponent was sheriff of York County for 23 years and supports Youngkin’s push to ban abortion in Virginia.

The district swung from 53-45 Biden in 2020 to 51-48 Youngkin in 2021.

Dogwood recently connected with Mason about what motivates him on and off the campaign trail and what’s on his mind in the waning days of the 2023 election.

What’s your closing pitch to voters as to why they should vote for you?

From gun reform, to education, to reproductive rights – there is so much riding on the outcome of this election, and maintaining Democratic control of Senate District 24 has never been more important. Having served in the General Assembly for almost a decade, I know firsthand that good representatives can transform lives. 

If re-elected, I would continue advancing the priorities I have spent the last decade working on. I want to ensure we make progress on vital transportation and infrastructure improvement projects like expanding I-64 all the way to Richmond and completing the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project. 

I will also continue being a staunch advocate for our veterans and seniors and will focus on further improving the foster care system to protect our most vulnerable.

What’s been your favorite part of running for office this year? Least favorite?

My team and I have been campaigning hard across Senate District 24 for over a year now, which means I’ve gotten the chance to connect with some really wonderful community members and have meaningful conversations around the issues that matter to us most. So I would say the connections have been the best part of the campaign.

Like most politicians, I’d say the fundraising calls have been my least favorite part of the campaign.

What’s something most people wouldn’t know about you?

I am a proud husband and father of two daughters in public school, and as a family we love the theater. My oldest daughter is really into acting and theater, and my family often enjoys going to plays and seeing the Broadway series in Richmond and Hampton Roads. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend time with my family, and I am looking forward to doing more of that once this election is over.

If you could change one thing about Virginia, what would it be?

I love Virginia, and I am proud to have grown up here. I am especially proud of what we have accomplished in the state legislature, but I know there is much more work to be done. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life making progress on meaningful issues like supporting small businesses so they can thrive, improving the child welfare system, expanding health care access, investing in our schools, and so much more. I am not sure if there is one thing specific I would change, but I would like to continue working to make progress on several different issues, like improving our transportation system, supporting education, and growing our economy.

What’s your favorite thing to do/place to go in Virginia when you need a break from the campaign trail?

As a proud graduate of William & Mary, watching Tribe football will always be one of my favorite pastimes. The campaign has kept me busy this year, so I haven’t watched nearly as much football as I would have liked, but I recently got the chance to head to a game, and it was great to be back with the community I love so much. Nothing energizes me more than seeing a Tribe football win!