{"id":2596038,"date":"2026-04-28T09:19:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T13:19:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-state-senator-says-he-understands-rural-voters-because-hes-seen-dukes-of-hazzard\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T09:20:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T13:20:09","slug":"virginia-state-senator-says-he-understands-rural-voters-because-hes-seen-dukes-of-hazzard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-state-senator-says-he-understands-rural-voters-because-hes-seen-dukes-of-hazzard\/","title":{"rendered":"Virginia State Senator Says He Understands Rural Voters Because He&#8217;s Seen &#8216;Dukes of Hazzard&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">28<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fvirginia-state-senator-says-he-understands-rural-voters-because-hes-seen-dukes-of-hazzard%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2596038&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Virginia Democrats have <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >recently pushed major policy<\/a> changes in the state and are now <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/calif-health-officials-refuse-to-reveal-data-behind-lockdown-reversal\/\" title=\"Calif. health officials refuse to reveal data behind lockdown reversal\">facing backlash<\/a>. The article points to Democratic losses or underperformance in specific contests, a narrow passage of a redistricting referendum, and the idea that the party\u2019s ability to shift Virginia further left may not last indefinitely.<\/p>\n<p>It then focuses on Virginia State sen. Lamont Bagby, a Democrat, who argued that he understands rural Americans as he watched shows like *The Dukes of Hazzard* and *The Waltons*. Critics online mocked this reasoning, noting that Bagby\u2019s district is centered around Richmond rather than rural areas, and suggesting his comments are political pandering rather than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/a-renowned-composer-showed-his-class-othello-featuring-laurence-olivier-students-led-a-revolt-and-now-hes-accused-of-racism\/\" title=\"A Renowned Composer Showed His Class \u2018Othello\u2019 Featuring Laurence Olivier. Students Led A Revolt And Now He\u2019s Accused Of Racism.\">genuine understanding<\/a>. The piece concludes that if Democrats want to keep their control of Virginia,they will have to win over rural voters for real.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><br \/>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\"><br \/>\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><html><body><\/p>\n<section> \t\t\t\t<script>console.log(\"ad slot (AC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC2)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC3)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC4)\")<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Virginia Democrats are completely reshaping the state \u2014 and they are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/breaking-eric-schmitt-dominates-gop-primary-for-missouris-u-s-senate-seat\/\" title=\"BREAKING: Eric Schmitt Dominates GOP Primary For Missouri\u2019s U.S. Senate Seat\">facing substantial backlash<\/a> as a result.<\/p>\n<p>The Democrats swept the state elections in November 2025 and have proceeded to govern far to the left of their campaign rhetoric, from guns and abortion to taxes and even gas-powered <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/48-hours-taking-virginia-dems-cutting-prison-sentences-gutting-hand-ballot-recounts-banning-gas-mowers-much\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lawn equipment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In a March special election for a House of Delegates seat, the Republican candidate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whro.org\/local-government\/2026-03-17\/republican-wins-virginia-beachs-special-house-of-delegates-election\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">crushed<\/a> the race with 62 percent of the vote \u2014 far exceeding the performance shown by his party moths earlier in that same district.<\/p>\n<p>More recently, the Virginia redistricting referendum \u2014 which is facing substantial legal challenges \u2014 passed on a knife\u2019s edge, with 50.7 percent in favor and 49.3 percent against.<\/p>\n<p>Democrats currently have runway to move their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/paths-to-victory-for-harris-and-trump-in-2024-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Paths to victory for Harris and Trump in 2024 - Washington Examiner\">blue-leaning swing state<\/a> even further left, but they know that runway is not indefinite.<\/p>\n<p> <script type=\"text\/javascript\"> \t\t\tif ( getCookie( \"ff_subbed\" ) ) { \t\t\t\tdocument.getElementById(\"anyclipvideo\").remove() \t\t\t} else { \t\t\t\tdocument.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function() { \t\t\t\t\tfunction loadAnyclip() { \t\t\t\t\t\tconst container = document.getElementById(\"anyclipvideo\"); 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\t\t\t\t\tobserveElement(paragraphToObserve); \t\t\t\t}); \t\t\t} \t\t<\/script> <\/p>\n<p>Even for flying 1969 Dodge Chargers.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps that\u2019s why Virginia Democratic State Sen. Lamont Bagby took to the floor of the upper chamber last week and proclaimed that he understands rural America because he has seen \u201cDukes of Hazzard.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">NEW: During a floor debate on gerrymandering, Virginia State Senator Lamont Bagby (D) says he knows a little bit about rural America because he watched Dukes of Hazzard. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/b3BtbLn4V1\">pic.twitter.com\/b3BtbLn4V1<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Nick Minock (@NickMinock) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NickMinock\/status\/2047349930478522849?\">April 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd, listen, I almost took issue with the other side saying that we don\u2019t understand,\u201d Bagby said of his Republican colleagues.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut I grew up watching \u2018The Waltons.\u2019 I grew up with Opie, I even watched the \u2018Dukes of Hazzard.\u2019 I think I know a little bit about rural America.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While Bagby may posture about understanding rural Americans, his <a href=\"https:\/\/ballotpedia.org\/Virginia_State_Senate_District_14\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">district<\/a> is entirely centered in Richmond and the surrounding area.<\/p>\n<p>Many social media commenters expressed doubt about his backwoods bona fides.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know a little about how Democrats operate because I watched House of Cards,\u201d Nick Freitas, a former Republican member of the Virginia House of Delegates, <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NickJFreitas\/status\/2047427250816176515\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reacted<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI grew up watching ER and now feel comfortable doing brain surgery,\u201d another <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/berlinbears1961\/status\/2047361152686948837\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">added<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know a little about gang life because I watched \u2018Westside Story\u2019 once,\u201d a third <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/nr_perkins\/status\/2047849625860616699\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">quipped<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Yet another user tried to explain the outrage to Bagby.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cImagine a State Senator who represents a rural district saying, \u2018I know a little bit about the struggles of black Americans, because I\u2019ve watched Cops and Live PD,&#8217;\u201d the user <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/misfittoyMJ\/status\/2047387161498882239\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">noted<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Bagby and other Virginia Democrats may vainly try pandering to rural Virginians.<\/p>\n<p>But sooner or later, if they want to keep their newfound control of Old Dominion, they will actually have to win those voters over.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f7f7f7; 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( opts[inputs[i]] = document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"' + inputs[i] + '\"]' ).value ) ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .required-message' ).style.display = 'block'; \t\t\t\t\t\treturn; \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction input[type=\"submit\"]' ).style.display = 'none'; \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).src = firefly_loading_gif_url; \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).style.display = 'inline-block';  \t\t\t\t\tconsole.log( 'ma subbing' );  \t\t\t\t\tif( firefly_post_id ) opts['post_id'] = firefly_post_id;  \t\t\t\t\t\/* Send the data using post with element id name and name2*\/ \t\t\t\t\tvar posting = jQuery.post( firefly_ajax_url, opts );  \t\t\t\t\t\/* Alerts the results *\/ \t\t\t\t\tposting.done( function( response ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tif( response.success ) { \t\t\t\t\t\t\tconsole.log( response.data ); \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).style.display = 'none'; \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-confirm' ).style.display = 'block';  \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdataLayer.push( { 'event': 'submit-correction' } ); \t\t\t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\t\t}); \t\t\t\t}); \t\t\t} \t\t<\/script> \t     \t\t\t\t\t\t     \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t<script>console.log(\"ad slot (BA1)\")<\/script> \t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\"> \t\t\t \t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/body><\/html><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Virginia Democrats are reshaping Virginia, but face backlash<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2596039,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Michael-Featured-Image-994.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[78730,6571,67670,41462,38033],"class_list":["post-2596038","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-dukes-of-hazzard","tag-elections","tag-rural-voters","tag-state-senator","tag-virginia-politics"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Michael-Featured-Image-994.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2596038","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2596038"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2596038\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2596042,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2596038\/revisions\/2596042"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2596039"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2596038"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2596038"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2596038"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}