Melody Cartwright

Melody “Mel” Cartwright is a lifelong resident of Southside Virginia and the Democratic candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates in District 48, which includes Martinsville and parts of Henry and Pittsylvania Counties. A graduate of Martinsville High School, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University and spent over 25 years as a graphic and exhibit designer at the Virginia Museum of Natural History. Throughout her career, Melody has been a dedicated public servant and advocate, known for her work protecting voting rights, advancing affordable housing, and improving access to education and healthcare.

Melody’s political priorities reflect her lived experience and deep commitment to economic and social justice. She is a strong supporter of raising the minimum wage, repealing Virginia’s “right-to-work” law to strengthen unions, and lowering the cost of food, energy, and prescription drugs. She believes in fully funding public education and increasing teacher pay, particularly in rural areas where schools face aging facilities and chronic staffing shortages. Melody has firsthand knowledge of the healthcare crisis in Southside and is committed to restoring local maternity care, expanding access to medical services, and addressing the state’s growing mental health needs.

As someone who has fought for her disabled sister to receive safe and stable housing, Melody is a vocal advocate for holding landlords accountable and increasing investment in affordable housing. She also believes in protecting reproductive freedom, restoring voting rights for returning citizens, and passing criminal justice reforms such as expanded expungement. Melody supports sensible firearm safety measures and would advocate for mandatory safety training for concealed carry permits.

Melody refuses campaign donations from corporate PACs and utility monopolies, relying solely on grassroots support to maintain her independence. She is running to give working-class Virginians a voice in Richmond and to build a more just and inclusive Commonwealth. If elected, Melody Cartwright will champion legislation that uplifts families, protects civil rights, and ensures every Virginian has access to the resources they need to thrive.