Delegate Phil Hernandez proudly represents Virginia’s 94th District. A lifelong Hampton Roads resident, he and his wife, Sara, are raising their family in Ocean View, where they are deeply invested in the community’s future.
The first in his family to graduate from college, Phil earned a Gates Millennium Scholarship to attend William & Mary. He later served as a senior policy advisor in President Obama’s White House and worked as a civil rights attorney, advocating for economic opportunity and fairness.
Since his election, Phil has fought to raise teacher pay, invest in public schools, lower taxes for families, and expand economic opportunity. As a father, he is committed to building a brighter future for all Norfolk families. He was named the 2024 Rookie Legislator of the Year by the Virginia Education Association and, in his first term, sent 15 bills to the Governor’s desk. Phil has also been an advocate for people with disabilities; he gave the first ever speech on the floor of the House of Delegates delivered in American Sign Language.
Quality Public Education
Every child in Virginia deserves access to a quality education. As a parent and a product of Virginia’s public schools, Phil understands the importance of a strong education system. He is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their zip code, have the resources they need to succeed.
As delegate, Phil continues to:
Affordable Health Care
Every Virginian deserves access to quality, affordable health care. Phil is working to expand coverage, lower costs, and protect consumers, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic.
As delegate, Phil continues to:
Thriving Families and Economy
When families thrive, communities thrive. Phil is committed to policies that lower costs for families and promote economic opportunities in Norfolk.
As delegate, Phil continues to:
HB 407: Childcare Subsidy Program
Status: Signed into Law
The bill establishes automatic eligibility for the Childcare Subsidy Program if families already receive Medicaid/WIC benefits.
HB 558: Constitutional Amendment; Property Tax Exemption for Certain Surviving Spouses
Status: Signed into Law
This bill expands property tax relief to additional gold star families.
HB 855: Home Energy Assistance Program
Status: Signed into Law
The bill expands the application window for families to apply for help paying energy bills.
HB 862: Electric Utilities; Integrated Resource Plans, Grid-Enhancing Technologies and Advanced Conductors
Status: Signed into Law
The bill requires utilities to explore grid-enhancing technologies to help support clean energy.
HB 896: Deferred or Installment Payment Agreements
Status: Signed into Law
This bill protects social security income from garnishment.
HB 1458: Chief Resilience Officer of the Commonwealth
Status: Signed into Law
The bill creates the first ever chief resilience officer to help address climate change/sea level rise.
HB 1606: Claims to Unclaimed Property
Status: Signed into Law
This bill reforms the unclaimed property payment process by allowing automatic payments to Virginians.
HB 1757: Compensation of Court-Appointed Counsel
Status: Signed into Law
The bill clarifies that defendants cannot be charged more for public defenders than for court-appointed counsel.
HB 2029: Real Property Tax Exemption for Elderly and Disabled Individuals
Status: Signed into Law
This bill improves the property tax relief programs for seniors and people with disabilities.
Budget Item 371#3C: This budget item provides $100,000 to Titustown, a historically-African American neighborhood in Norfolk, to explore eligibility for a Historic District Designation.
Budget Item 330#1C: This budget item expands the application window for families across Virginia to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Reelecting Delegate Phil Hernandez is essential for upholding progressive values and securing a majority in the House of Delegates. A Hampton Roads native and former senior policy analyst in the Obama administration, Phil has been a steadfast advocate for fully funding public education, expanding access to affordable health care, and protecting reproductive rights. His leadership is key to defending the progress we’ve made, pushing for policies that support working families, and ensuring Virginia remains a leader in protecting fundamental rights.
Last day to register for primary: June 17, 2025
Deadline to request absentee ballot (primary) June 6, 2025
Date of primary: June 17, 2025
Last day to register for general: November 4, 2025
Deadline to request absentee ballot (general) October 24, 2025
Date of general: November 4, 2025
District 94, covering parts of Norfolk, is traditionally a Democratic stronghold, with shipbuilding and defense industries playing a significant role. However, with a working-class base, including unionized workers, and growing suburban areas, the district remains competitive. Voter turnout will be crucial, and Republicans are likely to mount a strong challenge in 2025, making this race tighter than expected.
2024 Presidential Election:
Democrat : 56.5% Harris
Republican: 41.4% Trump
2023 House of Delegates:
Democrat: 55.71%
Republican: 44.1%
2021 Gubernatorial:
Democrat : 51.4% McAuliffe
Republican: 47.5% Younkin
Population: 79,944
Households: 30,694
Over 65: 12%
Aged 18-64: 69%
Median age: 30.8
White: 57.1%
Black: 22.6%
Latino/a: 13.9%
Asian/ Pacific Islander: 4.0%
Other/Two+: 9.6%
Median Income: $66,986
Poverty: 11.9%
College/Post Grad: 34%
Some College: 33%
HS Grad: 25%
No HS Grad: 8%
Andy Pittman’s platform is marked by far-right positions that threaten reproductive rights, public education, and workers’ rights. His staunch anti-choice stance disregards personal autonomy and reproductive freedoms. Additionally, his opposition to public education and teachers’ rights undermines the quality of Virginia’s schools, while promoting school choice without addressing real funding issues. Pittman’s Right to Work belief also undermines workers’ protections by opposing union rights, further stripping workers of their ability to negotiate fair wages and benefits. These extreme positions push Virginia away from policies that support the rights of individuals, educators, and workers. Finally, Mr. Pittman has been advocating for a state level version of “DOGE,” which would threaten jobs and key services Virginians rely upon.
After flipping the House of Delegates in 2023, we must protect our Democratic majority to continue safeguarding democracy, especially with the growing threats coming from the federal government. Keeping our majority ensures that Virginia remains a firewall against right-wing extremism and a leader in expanding opportunity, protecting freedoms, and defending democracy.
With recent Democratic victories in special elections and shifting political momentum in our favor, we are well-positioned to win in key swing districts that will maintain our Democratic control of the legislature. This election is our chance to solidify Virginia as a stronghold for democracy, protect fundamental rights, keep the Commonwealth moving forward, and create palpable momentum for Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections.
In addition to all 100 House of Delegates seats being up for election, Democrats also could take back the executive branch of the Virginia state government! Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger is running to be the first female governor of Virginia, while there will be a contested primary on the Republican side between current Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears and two former state legislative Republicans.
Lawmakers Focus On Protecting Virginians From Flooding and Extreme Weather “We can’t afford to normalize what is extreme. The rising threats to Virginians and their homes and businesses shows the need for urgent action from state leaders. These bills and budget amendments build on our progress and make Virginia communities stronger in the face of an unprecedented challenge.” -Phil Hernandez
Legislators push for solutions to Virginia’s child care crisis
Del. Phil Hernandez Pushes for Stronger Hospital Security Amid Rising Threats “Hospitals should be sanctuaries where you’re not at risk of any harm.” -Phil Hernandez
Checks can be sent to:
Sister District Project
440 North Barranca Avenue, #8737
Covina, California 91723
