Below are biographies provided by each candidate on the ballot for the November 2026 election. Each candidate was also asked questions and given a chance to provide answers to the Champion. The candidate’s answers will be published online after the election issue comes out in print, Wed. Oct. 28.
U.S. Senate
Democratic
Republican
Mark Warner
The son of a World War II veteran, Mark Warner grew up in a working-class household and became the first in his family to graduate from college. Early in his career, Mark invested his life savings—just a few thousand dollars—in a business that failed after six weeks. He tried again, but that business failed after six months. Mark persisted. His third venture succeeded: a cell phone company when most Americans used landlines. Those experiences shaped the values that continue to guide him today: innovation, persistence through challenges, and a belief that everyone deserves the same fair shot he got.
Bert Mizusawa
Bert Mizusawa is a retired Major General of the United States Army, a former senior executive in the federal government, and a nationally respected leader in law, national security, and public service. His career spans more than four decades across military command, legislative oversight, executive leadership, and private legal practice, serving at the highest levels of government while remaining grounded in the responsibilities of leadership and service. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Mizusawa earned both a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School and a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. He is also a MacArthur Fellow in International Security. Following his government service, he founded and led successful private enterprises, including a federal contracting firm and a law practice focused on complex legal and regulatory matters.
U.S. House of Representatives
Democratic
Independent
Republican
Tom Perriello
Did not respond to the Champion’s request to provide a biography.
Cooke Harvey
Cooke Harvey is an independent candidate running for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District in the November 3, 2026, election. A resident of Amherst County, Harvey has a professional background in construction, civil engineering drafting, surveying, wilderness guiding and education. He holds an associate degree in civil engineering technology and certifications in emergency medical services, firefighting and wilderness first response.
John McGuire
John McGuire is a Republican politician, former Navy SEAL and businessman from Central Virginia. He served 10 years as a Navy SEAL sniper and instructor before founding SEAL Team PT Inc., a fitness organization. McGuire was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2017 and later served in the Virginia Senate. In 2024, he was elected to represent Virginia’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. His political priorities include public safety, veterans’ affairs and government accountability.
Lynchburg City Council
Christina Anne Delzingaro
Democrat
Christina Delzingaro is a nonprofit executive and community leader with more than 35 years of experience in health care, housing, poverty reduction and disability services. She is the co-founder and CEO of Community Access Network, a nonprofit health care organization serving more than 7,000 patients annually. Delzingaro previously served as CEO of the Free Clinic of Central Virginia and held leadership positions at Goodwill and the Arc of the Piedmont. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and an MBA from Averett University. A recipient of the Center for Inclusive Communities’ Humanitarian Award, she serves on several community boards and resides in Lynchburg.
Dave Henderson
Democrat
Dave Henderson is a business owner, husband, father and Lynchburg City Council candidate. A graduate of Brookville High School and Virginia Tech, he returned to Lynchburg after a decade in the corporate workforce to raise his family and establish businesses. His children attend Lynchburg City Schools. As the owner of The Water Dog, Henderson supports community engagement through live music, family events and nonprofit initiatives. His businesses have employed hundreds of people, including Liberty University students. He also serves as vice chair of the Lynchburg Planning Commission and has held leadership roles with CVU Soccer Club. His priorities include strengthening local schools, expanding economic opportunities, improving public safety and enhancing quality of life in Lynchburg.
Nathaniel Marshall
Democrat
Nathaniel “Nat” X. Marshall is a lifelong Central Virginia resident and community leader. He holds degrees in business administration and English from the University of Lynchburg and worked for BWXT for 41 years before retiring in 2025. Marshall has served on numerous boards and committees, including the United Way, American Red Cross, Central Virginia Community College, Johnson Health Center and Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. He is also involved with the Lynchburg Area Youth Sports Initiative, which brings local organizations together to support youth athletics. Marshall lives in Lynchburg with his wife and two daughters.
Chris Boswell
Independent
Chris Boswell is a Lynchburg business owner and community leader who has lived in the city since 2000. He is a principal partner at Barracks Financial Group and has held leadership positions with several organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club. He also helped launch Mustaches 4 Kids, an initiative that has raised more than $4 million for local organizations serving children. As a Lynchburg City Council candidate, he advocates for public safety, economic growth, stronger schools and expanded opportunities for young adults to build their futures in Lynchburg.
Veronica Bratton
Independent
Veronica Bratton is a Lynchburg business owner, community leader and former chairwoman of the Lynchburg Republican Committee. She co-owns Soundz Hearing CVA with her husband and previously spent 20 years as director of business and technology at a psychiatric residential treatment facility for at-risk youth. She studied theater at Virginia Commonwealth University and has been recognized for her civic leadership in Lynchburg. During her four years as Republican chairwoman, she led efforts that she credits with helping Republican candidates win 23 of 24 elections. She and her husband have three sons and host a Thomas Road Life Group.
Martin Misjuns
Independent
Martin Misjuns is a Lynchburg City Council member, small-business owner and retired U.S. Coast Guard chief petty officer. A Liberty University graduate, he served 22 years in the Coast Guard and 14 years with the Lynchburg Fire Department as a captain and paramedic. He retired from the Coast Guard in 2022 following his refusal to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Previously involved in home construction, he now operates a consulting business. Elected to City Council as a Republican in 2022, he advocates for fiscal responsibility, public safety and limited government. He and his wife, a Lynchburg City Schools teacher, have four sons.
Stephanie Reed
Independent
Stephanie Reed is a Lynchburg City Council member, nonprofit leader and former mayor. She serves as the leader of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg and has a professional background in business, broadcast journalism, ministry and community service. She moved to Lynchburg with her family after her two oldest sons enrolled at Liberty University. Elected to City Council in 2022, she later served as mayor. An Air Force spouse and mother of four, she emphasizes faith, family, community service and strengthening local communities in her approach to public office.
Eli Rybinni
Independent
Eli Rybinni is a Lynchburg resident and founder of Lynchburg Peacemakers, an organization focused on reducing violence and improving community safety. Originally from Washington, D.C., he has lived in Lynchburg for four years. He holds a degree in business and administrative management and advocates for creating a safer community for local residents. He is also the father of a 13-year-old son.
Larry Taylor
Independent
Larry Taylor is a Lynchburg mayor, business owner and longtime community leader who has lived in the city for more than 30 years. After raising a family and establishing a business in Lynchburg, he became involved in local government and was elected to City Council in 2022. He became mayor in 2025. Drawing on his experience in business and community service, he emphasizes economic development, educational opportunities and supporting local businesses. His priorities include creating jobs, strengthening the local economy and making Lynchburg a place where young professionals and families can build their futures.