Makayla Venable of Waynesboro is running as the Democratic candidate for the 36th District seat in the House of Delegates, emphasizing affordable housing, health care access, and public education as the core of her campaign.
Venable, who was born and raised in the district, said her decision to run is deeply tied to her own life story.
“My grandmother, my father, and later my great-aunt helped raise me, and when I lost them, it was teachers, postal workers, and neighbors who stepped up to make sure I had the love and support I needed,” she said. “That experience shaped me. I know what it means to be lifted up by a community, and I want to give that back.”
She has worked in health care and direct care with seniors and said those experiences opened her eyes to the daily struggles of working families.
“I’ve seen the barriers families face every day — whether it’s affording housing, accessing mental health care, or just trying to keep up with rising costs,” Venable said. “I’m running to be a voice for the people who are often overlooked.”
If elected, Venable said her top priorities will be expanding affordable housing, protecting rural health care, and strengthening education and workforce training programs.
“Too many families in our district are being priced out of safe and stable housing,” she said. “We need to expand housing options, protect renters, and support first-time homebuyers.”
She noted that recent clinic closures by Augusta Health have already affected local families.
“People shouldn’t have to drive an hour or more just to see a doctor,” she said. “I will fight to keep health care accessible and affordable in rural areas, defend our local hospitals, and support policies that make sure seniors, working families, and children can get the care they need close to home.”
On education, Venable said public schools “saved my life,” and she wants to ensure that every student has the same opportunity.
“The state has a responsibility to make sure every child in Virginia has access to a highquality public education, no matter their zip code,” she said. “That starts with fully funding our schools and ensuring teachers are paid fairly so we can recruit and keep the best educators.”
She added that chronic absenteeism often reflects deeper issues. “Many absences come from lack of transportation, health problems, or family struggles,” she said. “By funding school nurses, counselors, and after-school programs, we can help students stay engaged and in the classroom.”
Venable said she believes the state’s budget should reflect the values of working families.
“A budget is a reflection of our values,” she said. “That means protecting and investing in the things families in District 36 rely on most — health care, education, and housing.” She said she would prioritize funding for public schools and health care access while looking for savings in corporate tax breaks and private school voucher programs.
To attract and keep jobs in the region, Venable said the state must invest in infrastructure and workforce development.
“That means broadband, safe roads, and affordable housing,” she said. “For young people, we need to strengthen career and technical education and expand workforce training partnerships so they can step into good-paying jobs right here at home instead of having to leave the district.”
On statewide issues, Venable said she supports reproductive rights and common-sense gun safety measures. “Health care decisions should stay between a patient and their doctor, not politicians,” she said. “I support background checks and red flag laws that can save lives while respecting responsible gun owners.”
She said she views diversity, equity, and inclusion not as a partisan issue but as a basic commitment to fairness. “DEI is about making sure every Virginian — no matter their race, religion, gender, or background —has equal opportunity and respect,” she said.
Venable said she hopes to bring a collaborative, community- first perspective to Richmond.
“The only way to get things done is by building relationships and finding common ground,” she said. “Even when we disagree politically, there are shared concerns — like keeping our communities safe and supporting our schools. We’re stronger when we work side by side, and that’s the spirit I’ll bring to the General Assembly.”
MAKAYLA VENABLE
