Amanda Chase

Amanda Chase is a former American politician who served as a member of the Virginia Senate representing the 11th District from 2016 until 2024. A member of the Republican Party, she represented areas including Amelia County, the city of Colonial Heights, and parts of Chesterfield County. Chase gained attention for her far-right political stance and her alignment with the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump. She faced significant controversies during her time in office, including censure by the Virginia State Senate for her conduct, and she was ultimately defeated in her bid for reelection in a primary election in 2023.

Early life and career

Amanda Chase was born on December 1, 1969, in Sheffield, Alabama. She moved to Chesterfield County, Virginia, in 1979, where she would later establish her political career. Chase graduated from Monacan High School in 1988 and pursued higher education at Virginia Tech, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1992. Following her graduation, she embarked on a career in banking and financial management, which laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in the financial services sector.

In 2010, Chase founded Chase Consulting LLC, a campaign management firm, which allowed her to engage more directly in the political landscape. Additionally, since 2013, she has worked as an independent contractor in the financial services industry, further diversifying her professional portfolio. Her early political involvement included working as a staff member for Republican Ken Cuccinelli during his successful campaign for Virginia Attorney General in 2009. She also served as a staffer for Republican Congressman Dave Brat, gaining experience in political operations and strategy.

Legislative service

Chase's political career took a significant turn in 2015 when she won the Republican nomination for the Virginia Senate's 11th District in a primary election against the incumbent senator, Stephen H. Martin, who had held the position since 1994. This upset victory was notable in a district that is predominantly Republican, which includes Amelia County, Colonial Heights, and much of Chesterfield County. Following her nomination, Chase successfully defeated the Democratic candidate, E. Wayne Powell, in the general election, securing approximately 69% of the vote.

Chase was reelected in 2019, again defeating a Democratic challenger, Amanda Pohl. Throughout her time in the Virginia Senate, she became known for her outspoken and often controversial positions. In November 2019, she announced her decision to not caucus with the Republican Party in the Senate, citing dissatisfaction with what she described as broken leadership and a lack of transparency within the party. Despite this, she maintained her affiliation with the Republican Party.

Chase's tenure was marked by a series of controversies that garnered significant media attention. In January 2019, she made headlines when she openly carried a loaded handgun while presenting bills to a Senate committee, stating that she did so as a deterrent. This incident was emblematic of her provocative approach to politics, which often aligned with far-right ideologies.

In March 2019, Chase was involved in a dispute with Capitol Police officers regarding parking regulations, during which she reportedly expressed her frustration in a confrontational manner. Such incidents contributed to her reputation as a polarizing figure within Virginia politics.

Policy focus and district

During her time in office, Amanda Chase was known for her alignment with far-right political views and for adopting a persona reminiscent of Donald Trump, which she herself described as "Trump in heels." She frequently made headlines for her controversial statements and positions on various issues. Chase was a vocal proponent of conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 U.S. presidential election, claiming that it was marred by fraud and that it had been "stolen" by Democrats. Her rhetoric included inflammatory comments regarding race and the Democratic Party, which she accused of harboring animosity towards white individuals.

Chase's political actions also included participation in protests and demonstrations, where she aligned herself with far-right groups. Notably, she was seen marching with the "boogaloo boys" in Richmond while carrying an AR-15, further solidifying her image as a staunch advocate for gun rights and Second Amendment issues.

Her controversial positions extended to social issues as well. Chase opposed the removal of Confederate monuments, including the Robert E. Lee statue in Richmond, which became a focal point for protests and discussions about race and history in Virginia. She characterized the removal of such statues as a capitulation to "looters and domestic terrorists," framing her stance as a defense of historical heritage.

Chase's tenure was also marked by her responses to national events, including the conviction of former police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, which she publicly criticized. Her comments on social media often sparked backlash and drew attention to her polarizing views.

In 2023, Chase sought reelection in a newly drawn 12th District but was narrowly defeated in the Republican primary. Following her departure from the Senate in January 2024, she announced her intention to run for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2025, although she later failed to qualify for the primary. Throughout her career, Amanda Chase has remained a significant figure in Virginia politics, known for her far-right positions and her contentious approach to governance.