The 48th District House of Delegates race is shaping up to have a little more drama in 2027, and Melody...

The 48th District House of Delegates race is shaping up to have a little more drama in 2027, and Melody Cartwright may no longer have a clear path to the Democratic nomination without a fight.

According to the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP), Cartwright has a Democratic challenger in Maeve McCulloch, a current Ridgeway Town Councilwoman.

That's right — the race for a seat representing Martinsville and portions of Henry and Pittsylvania counties could now feature two Democrats competing for the chance to take on Republican Delegate Eric Phillips.

McCulloch has served on Ridgeway Town Council since 2022. She previously announced plans to seek the Virginia Senate District 7 seat in 2027, making this latest reported development an interesting turn in the local political landscape.

Cartwright has already announced that she intends to run again in 2027 after previously challenging Phillips in the 2025 election.

Now, instead of simply preparing for another matchup with Phillips, Cartwright could first have to get past a fellow Democrat.

So much for an uncontested ticket!

The 48th District includes the City of Martinsville and portions of Henry and Pittsylvania counties. The next general election is scheduled for November 2, 2027.

Star News will continue following the race as additional candidate and filing details become available.

Original Facebook source: Open post

Source note: Star News TV · Nov 2, 2026 9:48 PM.