Could we see a shift in the state balance of power? Political expert explains

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — The balance of power could be up for grabs in Richmond after two local lawmakers announced they are not seeking re-election.

Senator John Edwards and delegate Kathy Byron said they are stepping down from the state legislator.

RELATED: After 26 sessions, Del. Kathy Byron will not seek re-election in the House of Delegates

Edwards is a Democrat, currently representing the 21st district, while Byron is a Republican, covering the 22nd district.

Right now, the General Assembly is split, with a democrat-controlled senate and a republican majority house.

Dr. David Richards, chair of political science for the University of Lynchburg, doesn't expect many shifts.

RELATED: State Sen. John Edwards not seeking re-election for another term

"I don't see any significant changes, but it's a pretty close split in both chambers, so that could make a difference. What we're going to see is what happens on that primary level. That's going to be important," Dr. Richards said.

He said after redistricting in 2021, Edwards district is a little more right-leaning than before.

However, he said Byron's district is still heavily republican. Dr. Richards also said that redistricting pitted Byron and republican delegate Wendell Walker against one another in the upcoming elections, which he believed may have played a role in her decision to not run for re-election.