Richmond, Va. — Departing before dawn, members of the Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association (HRRA) arrived in Richmond early Tuesday morning to participate in a full day of advocacy at the General Assembly. The visit underscored REALTORS®’ commitment to representing not just their profession, but also homeowners, future buyers, landlords, commercial REALTORS®, real estate investors, and small business owners throughout Virginia.

The group began the day with a legislative briefing from Maura Pratt, Assistant Vice President of RPAC Development for Virginia REALTORS®, before heading “up the Hill” for meetings with elected officials. REALTORS® met with the offices of Delegate Barry Knight (R–98th District, Virginia Beach) and Delegate Karen “Kacey” Carnegie (D–89th District, parts of Chesapeake and Suffolk), discussing issues impacting housing affordability, property rights, economic development, and local communities.

The day continued with a roundtable conversation with Speaker of the House Don Scott (D–88th District, Portsmouth), giving REALTORS® the opportunity to ask questions, share real‑world insights from the housing market, and speak directly on legislation aligned with the Virginia REALTORS® legislative agenda.

Additional lawmakers stopped by to thank the group for their advocacy and to further strengthen relationships, including Delegate Jay Leftwich’s (R–90th District, Chesapeake) Legislative Assistant Angela Chellew, Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata (R–99th District, Virginia Beach), Delegate Bonita Anthony (D–92nd District, parts of Chesapeake and Norfolk), Delegate Jackie Glass (D–93rd District, Norfolk), and Senator Angelia Williams Graves (D–21st District, Norfolk)—who is also a REALTOR®.

Hampton Roads REALTORS® received formal recognition in both chambers of the General Assembly. In the Senate, Senator Williams Graves welcomed the group and acknowledged REALTORS® as “deeply engaged civic leaders and advocates for their communities.” In the House, Delegate Jay Leftwich (R–90th District, Chesapeake) emphasized REALTORS®’ role in advancing the American dream of homeownership, calling them “invaluable” to the cause.

“As an advocacy organization first and foremost, REALTORS® stay on the front lines for property ownership,” said HRRA President Phil Kazmierczak. “Through RPAC investment and face‑to‑face meetings like this, REALTORS® build the relationships that help protect private property rights for all Virginians.”

For the general public, the message is simple: REALTORS® don’t just sell homes—they serve as a trusted voice at the Capitol and at all levels of government, working to ensure fair housing policies, strong neighborhoods, vibrant local economies, and a resilient real estate market that benefits everyone.