Independent candidate Barbara Hancock, who was running for Virginia’s 48th District seat against incumbent Del. Eric Phillips, R-Martinsville, and Democratic nominee Melody Cartwright, announced she is withdrawing from the race and expects her name to be removed from the ballot.
Hancock said she enjoyed meeting voters but ultimately decided politics was not where she was called to serve.
“Over the past few months, I have enjoyed meeting and speaking with so many people across Virginia’s 48th District. I’ve reconnected with friends I hadn’t seen in years and met many new ones who have become dear to me,” she said. “I have decided to withdraw from the race for the House of Delegates.”
Hancock said she prayed and gave careful thought before making the decision. One of her biggest concerns was splitting the vote.
“My deepest conviction has always been to protect life—from the moment of conception to natural death,” she said. “Remaining in the race could divide the vote and risk allowing someone who is not pro-life to win, which would not serve the cause of protecting life. That is a risk I am not willing to take.”
Hancock, a nurse, also cited the demands of her personal and professional life. “I’ve been really busy with my nursing job, more so than usual, and we have an electrical business as well,” she said.
She urged voters not to focus solely on political affiliation.
“Party politics does nothing more than create division. Please remember that,” Hancock said. “While I consider myself a strong conservative—more so than most Republicans I know—I care about everyone. We are all made in the image of our Creator, and we all need to recognize that.
“It is easy to get caught up in things going on in this evil world, but it is so important that we pray for wisdom and truth, love our neighbors, and truly listen to one another,” she said. “We should be having honest conversations, not belittling or berating each other over party politics.”
She encouraged voters to evaluate candidates individually.
“Don’t follow someone simply because they belong to a certain party. Talk with them about life and about real issues. Many people don’t realize just how deep corruption runs in party politics—on both sides. And it is not just in Washington—it is also at the local level,” Hancock said.
Hancock said she will be praying that whoever is elected will see the “sacredness of life at every stage” and that those voting on the issue “feel the weight of that decision strongly” and stand for life.
“May each of you come to the knowledge of truth through the Most High. All praise and honor to Him!” she said.
Election Day is Nov. 4. Early voting begins Sept. 19 and runs through Nov. 1.
