On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 7:00-8:30 p.m., the York River Group hosted an in-person only program, titled "Meet Your Delegates" at Sandy Bottom Nature Park’s Nature Center Conference Room, located on Big Bethel Road in Hampton, VA.  The six Virginia House Delegates who represent the localities in the lower to mid-VA Peninsula were invited.  Tyla Matteson, Group Chair, introduced the delegates, and their legislative assistants/chief of staff. Attendees introduced themselves and where they live.  

Each Delegate spoke about their legislative work during the 2026 General Assembly Session, emphasizing environmental and environmental justice legislation.  Speakers were Delegates Mark Downey HD 69,  Jessica Anderson HD 71, Marcia “Cia” Price HD 85, and Virgil Thornton HD 86.  Absent were Delegates Shelly Simonds HD 70 and Delegate Jeion Ward HD 87.   Delegates Downey, Anderson, and Thornton are "freshmen," having served one year, and Delegate Price is a veteran, having been elected in 2015.  

Photo left-right: Del. Virgil Thornton, Del. Mark Downey, YRG Chair Tyla Matteson, Del. Jessica Anderson, and Del. Marcia Price

These six state delegates represent areas of the Virginia Peninsula, including (or parts of) Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and Counties of York, James City, New Kent, and Gloucester.  All have received a Sierra Club endorsement and are strong advocates for many of our priority issues.  Following the presentation and questions from the audience, refreshments were served along with a large cake with the message "Welcome Delegates."