Virginia Delegate Barry Knight Dies at 71

The retired hog farmer and longtime state representative was known to be battling health issues.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Del. Barry Knight, a Republican who represented Virginia Beach in the state legislature, has died at the age of 71. Knight, a retired hog farmer, had not attended the 2026 General Assembly session due to his ongoing health struggles.

Why it matters

Knight was a longtime fixture in Virginia politics, having served in the state House of Delegates since 2002. His passing will trigger a special election to fill the vacant seat, which could impact the balance of power in the state legislature.

The details

Knight, a Republican, had represented Virginia Beach in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2002. He was known as a champion for the state's agricultural industry, having previously worked as a hog farmer. Knight had not attended the 2026 legislative session due to undisclosed health issues that he had been battling.

  • Del. Barry Knight passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Del. Barry Knight

A Republican who represented Virginia Beach in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2002. He was a retired hog farmer and known as a champion for the state's agricultural industry.

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What’s next

A special election will be held to fill the vacant seat in the Virginia House of Delegates previously held by Del. Barry Knight.

The takeaway

Knight's passing marks the end of an era in Virginia politics, as he had been a fixture in the state legislature for over two decades. His death will trigger a special election that could impact the balance of power in the state.