Republican Lara Overy, a political newcomer, has announced she plans to run for the House of Delegates seat currently held by freshman Democrat Monty Mason.
Overy, who has lived in Williamsburg for 15 years, is the director of development for Thomas Nelson Community College. The mother of three grew up in Newport News, attended TNCC and is now working on a master’s degree in business at the College of William & Mary.
In an interview Friday, she said she is passionate about the community college system and workforce development.
“I think we need to figure out a way in the region to address the workforce concerns of our employers, as well as the workforce needs of our employers of the future,” she said, “and make sure we are guiding our students and those who have already graduated and looking to retrain into careers where there will be jobs in the region.”
Overy said developing a strong workforce ties into economic growth and business development in the region.
Overy’s announcement comes a few days after Republican Mike Watson — who held the seat prior to Mason and lost it to him in the 2013 election — announced he would not seek the seat in this year’s election.
In a news release announcing her bid for the seat, she said she is a first generation college graduate who worked her way through TNCC as a single mother, often working two jobs in the process.
“We have so many natural strengths, but we also face important challenges in education, employment, transportation and tourism,” she said in the release. “If we are going to meet these challenges, we must have effective representation in the General Assembly. The 93rd District of Williamsburg and parts of James City, York County and Newport News deserves someone who can bridge party lines and advocate strongly for our region.”
In addition to working in fundraising for higher education, Overy has experience with startups from when she worked for a golf sales website in the 1990s. She has also held leadership positions in nonprofits, including the Colonial Girl Scout Council, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance.
The deadline for candidates of major parties to file to run in the race is March 26. If either the Democrats or Republicans choose to have a primary, it will be held June 9.
The election is set for Nov. 3. In an interview with WYDaily earlier this month, Mason said he plans to run for re-election.
The 93rd District includes the City of Williamsburg and parts of Newport News, James City and York counties.
