Bynum-Coleman at first resisted launching another campaign, but changed her mind after hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the nation’s capital for the Women’s March on Washington in response to President Donald Trump’s election. She also said a conversation with Ingram made her realize her priorities were different than his.

“We haven’t had true representation,” Coleman said of the lack of contested elections for the 62nd District over the years. “Across the state, we don’t have a lot of people of color that run in Republican districts. I’m the only person who ran in this ruby-red Republican district two years ago.”

The traditionally Republican 62nd District consists of parts of Chesterfield, Hopewell, and Henrico and Prince George counties. Trump captured 50.85 percent of the vote last November, and Coleman lost by 2,325 votes two years ago.

“Even if Trump had not won, I think I would still have run. But I think Trump has motivated people to support my candidacy. People are upset and concerned,” she said.

Ingram said he was looking forward to a good, clean race.