Lily Franklin

Lily is a former teacher and fifth-generation Southwest Virginian who is running for Virginia's newly created 41st House District. Growing up in the Roanoke Valley in a working-class family that struggled with addiction and substance abuse issues, she understands the challenges faced by underrepresented voices. After graduating from public schools, Lily worked multiple jobs to put herself through college at Longwood University, where she experienced her own #MeToo moment and decided to fight for those who face similar struggles.

Lily joined Teach for America and taught in low-income Appalachian schools, where she discovered that the issues facing her students couldn't be solved in the classroom but rather through the legislative process. She returned to her hometown of Roanoke and worked as a legislative staffer for Delegate Sam Rasoul, eventually becoming his Chief of Staff. Over the next five years, Lily learned how to pass legislation despite fierce opposition and is one of the few candidates in Virginia who has written and passed laws.

Lily is dedicated to ensuring that every child receives a world-class education, working families have access to the resources they need to succeed, and seniors can retire with dignity in their own homes. Her proven record, established contacts, and in-depth knowledge of Virginia's government will allow her to make a difference in southwest Virginia. Lily currently resides in Blacksburg, Virginia, with her Beagle-mix, Poppy.