Though incumbent Republican Keith Hodges has fallen behind his Democratic opponent, newcomer Sheila Crowley of Port Haywood, in campaign financing, he is not concerned and plans on launching full speed into his campaign to retain his 98th District seat on the Virginia House of Delegates in the coming weeks. Crowley, however, sees her financial edge as a testament to her campaign’s grassroots support.

Hodges (R-Urbanna) has fallen behind Crowley by close to $10,000 in his balance of campaign funding. This is according to the Virginia Public Access Project, a non-partisan organization whose mission is to provide easy access to public documents related to money in politics. 

As of June 30, the latest filing completion date, Crowley ended up with $28,601, just above Hodges’ ending balance of $25,375. In fundraising, Crowley reported raising $41,721 this year to Hodges’ $4,050.

Crowley said, “I am honored to have the support of so many in our community &helli...