Meet Senator Christie New Craig

Senator Christie Craig, a lifelong Chesapeake, VA resident and a Western Branch High School graduate has dedicated her life to serving her community. From 1987 to 2002, she worked as a Sworn Senior Law Enforcement Officer for the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office. In this capacity, Senator Craig conducted investigations, served summons in Civil Process and Fugitive Squad, and made arrests. She also trained and supervised new employees and ensured the security of judges, victims, citizens, and inmates. She is a 1995 graduate of the Chesapeake Police Academy - 35th Session and has extensive experience in various department areas, including Internal Affairs, Fugitive Squad, Courtroom Security, Processing and Civil Process, Transportation, and Training.

From  2002 to 2023, Senator Craig served as Chief of Staff for now retired State Senator John A. Cosgrove. In this role, she resolved constituent inquiries, managed the Senator's legislative, professional, and personal schedules, and represented him at meetings and speaking engagements. Senator Criag was instrumental in preparing legislation by working closely with legislative services personnel and the patron. She is honored to have received Senator Cosgrove's enthusiastic endorsement for the race to fill his Senate seat in 2023.

In 2006, Senator Craig graduated from the University of Virginia Sorensen Political Leadership Program, which has been invaluable in helping her forge working relationships with colleagues and promote civility in politics. This experience has further honed her ability to work with legislators and build relationships across the aisle to achieve shared goals crucial to the region and the Commonwealth.

For 12 years, Senator Craig was a member of the Chesapeake School Board, serving as the Chair from January 2013 to 2016. During her tenure, she managed the school division's $429 million budget, collaborated with the Superintendent and his staff, and worked with local, state, and federal personnel and legislators to ensure the efficient operations of the Chesapeake Public Schools division, which comprises 47 schools, 5,600 employees, and 38,685 students.

In addition to her public service, Senator Craig was a small business owner from January 2005 to 2020, operating a successful catering business focused on delivering exceptional food and outstanding customer service. Her company catered political and social events for up to 200 guests and thrived on sales referrals from highly satisfied customers.

The Senator and her husband Merrill started a sustainable tree farming business in Buckingham County, VA, in 2014. This venture involves growing pines and replanting after each harvest. With hands-on experience as a farmer, The Craig Family understands the unique challenges faced by the agricultural industry in the region and its vital significance to the state's economy.

Senator Craig's extensive experience in law enforcement helped to equip her with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to address public safety and emergency response issues in the General Assembly. Her service as Chief of Staff for State Senator John A. Cosgrove and her education through the Sorensen Political Leadership Program reflect her dedication to fostering cooperation and ensuring quality outcomes in the legislative process. Moreover, her tenure on the Chesapeake School Board highlights her commitment to education and her drive to ensure quality educational opportunities for all children. Her family's background in business and farming provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the economic and agricultural challenges faced by the region, further strengthening her ability to represent and support her constituents in the General Assembly. 

The Senator's diverse and extensive experience makes her uniquely prepared to be your voice in the Virginia General Assembly. Senator Craig is grateful to represent your interests and works hard to positively impacting the lives of the people in the 19th Senate District of Virginia and welcomes your calls, emails and visits.  She and her staff stands ready to assist!

Meet Delegate Jay Leftwich

James A. “Jay” Leftwich, Jr. has been rooted in Chesapeake his entire life. After graduating from Chesapeake Public Schools, Jay furthered his education at James Madison University then obtained his J.D. from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. Jay returned to Chesapeake to launch his career and is a Partner at Basnight, Kinser, Leftwich & Nuckolls, P.C., where he has been since 1988. Jay successfully won election to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2013 to represent the 90th District, which is located in Chesapeake. He currently serves on the following committees: Courts of Justice, General Laws, and Counties, Cities and Towns

Community Service

Jay is a firm believer in community service. His record of community involvement reflects his deep commitment to Chesapeake and its citizens.

Chesapeake Public Schools, Chairman, 2012 – 2013
Chesapeake Public Schools, Vice Chairman, 2010 – 2012
Chesapeake Public Schools, Board Member, 2002 – 2013

Chesapeake Public Schools, School Board Appointments

• Legal Services Committee
• Chesapeake Public Schools Educational Foundation
• Access College Foundation
• Governor’s School for the Arts
• Southeastern Cooperative Association
• Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs, “SECEP”

Member and Former Elder, Great Bridge Presbyterian Church
Member, Small Group Bible Study

“Top 40 Under 40″ professionals in the Hampton Roads Area, 2000, Inside Business Magazine
Who’s Who in American Law
Family Law Organization of Hampton Roads, Former Member
I’Anson Hoffman Inns of Court, Former Member
Former Judicial Circuit Representative to Young Lawyers Conference
Chesapeake Division of Chamber of Commerce, Former Member

Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Champion of Freedom
Virginia Clerk’s Association, Legislator of the Year
Virginia Retail Merchants Association, Legislator of the Year