House of Delegates Campaign Websites

The House of Delegates exists as the lower house of the legislature in three U.S. states: Maryland House of Delegates, Virginia House of Delegates and the West Virginia House of Delegates.

The election system, district structure, candidate requirements, and length of terms vary by state. Candidates should use the office and district terminology provided by their state election authority.

The role is generally similar to a state representative or state assembly member, but the title depends on the state. House of Delegates candidates serve districts within the state and vote on legislation, budgets, taxes, and other state matters.

Your website should use the local office title voters recognize rather than broader terms such as State House.

• Candidates in states that use the title State Representative can view our State Representative campaign website options.
• Candidates in states that use the title State Assembly can view our State Assembly campaign website options.

Focus on issues the state legislature can influence and concerns that matter within the district. These may include education funding, taxes, healthcare, public safety, transportation, housing, economic development, environmental policy, and the state budget.

Use the site as the destination for campaign mail, digital ads, social media, press coverage, and community outreach. Clearly identify the district number and the counties, cities, towns, or neighborhoods included in the race.

You can also promote local events, publish district news, collect endorsements, recruit volunteers, and direct voters to official election information.

See: So You Want To Run For State Legislature? Here’s How To Get Started

Explain why you are running, where you believe the district needs a different approach, and what experience prepares you to serve. Keep the focus on the incumbent’s public record, your qualifications, and the legislative results you want to pursue.

Use wording that voters will recognize and see on the ballot. A campaign logo may use a shorter phrase such as “For Delegate,” but important website elements should also identify the state, House of Delegates, and district.

You should use the complete office title in the page title, opening copy, and in district information. This helps prevent confusion with other kinds of delegates.

These names generally describe similar lower chambers within state legislatures. The title used for legislators varies by state. Depending on the state, a candidate may be called a delegate, state representative, assembly member, or another locally recognized title.

Candidates running under those office titles can also see our State Representative campaign websites and State Assembly campaign websites.

Use the exact district, subdistrict, and office wording that voters will see on the ballot. If multiple delegates may be elected, explain the number of available seats and why voters should select you as one of their choices.

Don’t assume that every voter understands the election format. A short explanation can prevent confusion without turning the campaign website into an election-law guide.

Focus on matters the state legislature can influence and concerns affecting the district. Depending on the state and campaign, specific issues may include education funding, taxes, healthcare, public safety, transportation, housing, economic development, energy, environmental policy, and the state fiscal budget.

Explain not only your position but also how the issue affects the people and communities you seek to represent as a delegate.

Read our guide to starting a run for state legislature.