After 12 years in the state legislature, Delegate Brenda Pogge (R-James City) announced Friday that she will not run for reelection this year, becoming the fifth House Republican to retire heading into the 2019 election cycle.
During her tenure in the House of Delegates, Pogge won three elections unopposed and three more elections with an average of 58 percent of the vote, according to figures from Ballotpedia. She was most recently reelected in 2017 with 57 percent of the total vote in the staunchly conservative 96th House District, which covers parts of York and James City counties.
In the year’s legislative session, Pogge sponsored a bill that would automatically grant concealed handgun permits to non-residents if the Virginia State Police failed to review their applications within 90 days. The bill, however, was vetoed by Governor Northam.
Pogge also patroned legislation that would alter the definition of livestock to include alpacas, giving owners the same protections as those with other livestock animals, such as chickens and cows, in cases where an alpaca was attacked by another owner’s pet or animal. The bill was approved by the governor earlier this month.
The Republican delegate also served as the vice-chair of the House Finance Committee, also sitting on the House Education Committee and House Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee.
In a newsletter, Pogge said when she “first sought office, I declared my belief in term limits. I remain committed to this position, and it is therefore a bittersweet moment for me as I announce that I will not seek reelection this year.”
“My service as a citizen legislator in this unique and historic body is truly one of the highest honors of my life. I have aspired to act as a servant leader, provide the highest quality of constituent service, and support policies making our Commonwealth the best place in which to live, work, and raise a family,” Pogge added.
“Throughout my years as a delegate, I have endeavored to build a positive legacy. I am particularly proud to have patroned legislation codifying the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of their children,” she said.
Continuing, she explained, “I’ve also fought for the rights of property owners and successfully worked to curb overreach of land trusts. Just a few years ago, I worked with the James City County Attorney on legislation to open Jolly Pond Road. That change in the code also enabled localities across the state to reopen roads that VDOT had closed.”
As chairwoman of the Virginia Disability Commission, Pogge stated that she also “had the privilege of carrying bills and budget amendments to provide meaningful support for individuals with disabilities.”
Speaker of the House Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) said in a press release, “Brenda has been a steadfast leader on conservative issues as a member of the House of Delegates for more than a decade. She has served the people of the 96th District well and we are grateful for her service to her constituents.”
“Brenda has consistently defended and advanced conservative principles and policies. She was guided by her deep and abiding faith, encouraging prayer among her colleagues by leading the Virginia Legislative Prayer Caucus. Her faith has been inspiring to me and many others,” he said. “I will miss seeing Brenda and her husband Roger in Richmond, but wish her well as she begins this new chapter in her life. We are confident that we will elect a strong Republican to succeed Brenda as the Delegate from the 96th House District.”
Upon her retirement, Pogge endorsed her legislative aide, Amanda Batten, to replace her in the General Assembly’s lower chamber.
“For thirty-six years, the 96th District of the Virginia House of Delegates has been represented by a woman. I am pleased to announce my support for a candidate who will ably continue this tradition,” Pogge said.