Willett keeps Henrico seat

Incumbent Democrat Del. Rodney Willett soundly defeated Republican challenger Milad Mikhail, capturing 61.3% of the vote to Mikhail’s 38.7% and retaining his seat as delegate of Virginia’s 58th district.

The Virginia 58th district includes Western Henrico County, Tuckahoe and part of the University of Richmond, running between Short Pump and Richmond’s West End. 

The 58th district has voted solidly blue in recent elections, with Democrats winning all statewide or federal elections in the district dating back to 2017. In all three of Willett’s election bids, he has won by a margin of less than 10%. 

Ahead of the election, Willett was favored to win the 2025 race. In the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris won 57.5% of the district's votes compared to 40.4% for Donald Trump. 

Willett’s campaign far outpaced Mikhail’s in fundraising, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Willett drew over $513,000 in donations compared to Mikhail, who sat at just over $27,000.

Willett, a Virginia native, has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2020 and was elected to his fourth term in office. Before serving in office, Willett, a graduate of the College of William and Mary, worked as a consultant prior to his career in office. 

Willett’s platform includes advocating for improved access to healthcare, affordability, and gun safety legislation. He serves as chair of Virginia's Joint Commission on Health Care and sponsored the recent amendment to allow for congressional redistricting mid-decade.

Mikhail was born in Egypt and immigrated to the United States as an adult after serving in the Egyptian House of Representatives. He is a small business owner, and co-founder of a community service organization dedicated to helping the homeless and those battling addiction.  

During his campaign, Mikhail advocated for supporting small businesses, creating safer neighborhoods, and increasing funding for public schools, according to his website. 

Contact city & state writers Jeremy Young and Amelia Beard at jeremy.young@richmond.edu and amelia.beard@richmond.edu