Lily Franklin is a Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates representing District 41, which covers parts of Montgomery and Roanoke counties in Southwest Virginia. Born in 1994 in Roanoke, VA, she is a lifelong resident of the region with deep family roots, including multiple generations in Southwest Virginia. A former math teacher in Appalachia and small business owner, she flipped the seat from Republican to Democratic control in the 2025 election after a narrow loss in 2023. Notable achievements include helping pass microgrants for farmers, housing protections for domestic violence survivors, legislation limiting PFAS "forever chemicals" in drinking water, and a program empowering constituents in bill-writing as Chief of Staff to Delegate Sam Rasoul.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Northside High School ; B.A. in Political Science from Longwood University .
• Political Experience: Ran unsuccessfully for District 41 in 2023 . Elected in 2025, defeating Obenshain and taking office January 14, 2026. Previously served nearly a decade in public service, including as Chief of Staff to Delegate Sam Rasoul, where she advanced key rural-focused legislation. Current occupation: Small business owner and substitute teacher.