William M. Stanley, Jr., a Republican, represents District 7 in the Virginia State Senate, which includes all of Carroll, Floyd, Franklin, Grayson, Henry, and Patrick Counties, as well as Galax City and Martinsville City, and parts of Wythe County. Born on July 21, 1967, in Milton, Florida, he is an attorney married to Laura Stanley and affiliated with the Methodist church. He has served in the Senate since 2011, previously representing the 20th District before redistricting to the 7th.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.S. from Hampden-Sydney College; J.D. from District of Columbia School of Law.
• Political Experience: Elected to the Virginia Senate in 2011; sought re-election in the newly drawn 7th District in 2023. Serves as Chairman of the Joint Committee of Senate Local Government and Transportation to Study Construction of Interstate 73; Chairman of the Board of Directors for New College Institute; Vice Chairman of the Online Virginia Network Authority Board of Trustees.

Notable Achievements and Positions: Active on commissions including the Coal and Energy Commission, Manufacturing Development Commission, State Water Commission, Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, and Virginia Housing Commission; recognized as a dedicated advocate for Southside Virginia on healthcare, education, and job opportunities. Member of organizations such as Rotary, Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, and Chamber of Commerce.