A Virginia state senator told colleagues he understands rural America because he grew up watching “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
Democratic state Sen. Lamont Bagby made the claim during a floor debate on the state’s gerrymandering amendment, according to video posted by WJLA reporter Nick Minock. Bagby pushed back on Republicans who argued Democrats have no grasp of rural life.
“I grew up watching the Waltons. I grew up with Opie. I even watched the Dukes of Hazzard. I think I know a little bit about rural America,” Bagby said, apparently referencing “The Waltons” and “The Andy Griffith Show” alongside the hit CBS series. He then rattled off characters from urban-set sitcoms to argue he fights for all Virginians. “I’m not just here for Theo. I’m not just here for Arnold or Willis. I’m here for Opie, John Boy. Blossom, Topanga.” (RELATED: Virginia Approves Heinous ‘Lobster District’ Map That Rips Power From Rural Voters)
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. pic.twitter.com/b3BtbLn4V1
— Nick Minock (@NickMinock) April 23, 2026
The speech took place amid Virginia’s contentious redistricting battle. Voters approved a constitutional amendment on April 21 that gives the state legislature authority to redraw congressional districts before the next census, according to Ballotpedia. The new map could shift Virginia’s House delegation from a 6-5 Democratic edge to a 10-1 advantage for the party.
An analysis by Defend Forgotten America, first obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation, labeled the proposed map a “structural demolition of rural representation.” The group argued the plan would fold rural districts into ones dominated by Washington, D.C., suburbs.
Bagby represents parts of Henrico County and Richmond, according to the Virginia Senate. He was born in Richmond and took over as head of the Democratic Party of Virginia in March 2025, 12 On Your Side reported.
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