Kelly Convirs-Fowler's story begins in the Philippines. Both her grandfathers were Filipinos. Both served in the U.S. Navy. Both became US citizens by virtue of their service. Both were buried with honors as veterans, one of them in Arlington. She was a Virginia Beach public school third grade teacher for five years and now heads a group of real estate agents who specialize in military relocation. Her campaign for office germinated with her role leading a counter demonstration against a post 2016 election a March 4Trump rally.

Rodman is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of Women's Studies at Randolph-Macon College. She is a former Fulbright Scholar and serves an expert witness in U.S. Federal Immigration courts assisting migrants seeking political asylum. She describes herself as committed to diversity and inclusion, economic development, reproductive rights, and affordable healthcare. She is also a member of the North Carolina-based Lumbee tribe of Native Americans.

Cheryl Turpin ran in the special election for this open seat and lost to a deputy sheriff by six points or a little more than 300 votes. She is trying again against the same opponent in the regular election of 2017. is a local high school science teacher. She received a BS from Virginia Commonwealth University and an MEd from the University of Virginia. For the past 8 years, she has taught Advanced Placement Environmental Science. She also spent much of her career working with at-risk students, serving as a partner in an organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college.

Wendy Gooditis, a former teacher and home schooling parent, has been a real estate broker and a member of a group called Planned Parenthood Advocates. She is supported by a women's organization called Emerge that trains women candidates for office. Her interest in running for office was enhanced by the Women's March in Washington after Donald Trump's election as president.