Virginia Delegate Barry Knight, Retired Hog Farmer, Dies at 71

Knight had been battling health issues and missed the 2026 legislative session.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Del. Barry Knight, a Republican who represented Virginia Beach in the Virginia House of Delegates, died on Thursday at the age of 71. Knight had been battling kidney cancer and other health issues, and had not attended the 2026 General Assembly session in Richmond.

Why it matters

Knight was a long-serving and respected member of the Virginia House of Delegates, known for his expertise on budget matters and dedication to serving his constituents in Virginia Beach. His passing leaves a vacancy in the state legislature that will need to be filled.

The details

Knight, a retired hog farmer, was first elected to the Virginia House in 2009 and was reelected in November 2025 to represent House District 98, which encompasses the southern part of Virginia Beach. He had been diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2024 and was treating the disease, but suffered a setback last fall when he fell and broke his arm. After Thanksgiving, he was admitted to the hospital and did not attend the 2026 legislative session, taking his oath of office via notary instead.

  • Knight was first elected to the Virginia House in 2009.
  • In November 2025, Knight was reelected to represent House District 98 for a two-year term.
  • In 2024, Knight was diagnosed with kidney cancer.
  • Last fall, Knight fell and broke his arm, which was a setback in his cancer treatment.
  • After Thanksgiving 2025, Knight was admitted to the hospital and did not attend the 2026 legislative session.

The players

Barry Knight

A Republican who represented Virginia Beach in the Virginia House of Delegates for over 15 years. He was a retired hog farmer.

Don Scott

The Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.

Terry Kilgore

The Minority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates.

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What they’re saying

“For over 15 years in the House of Delegates, Barry Knight was a steady and respected presence, working tirelessly to keep our commonwealth's budget on track and to serve the people of Virginia Beach and all Virginians.”

— Don Scott and Terry Kilgore, House Speaker and Minority Leader (Joint statement)

What’s next

The vacancy in the Virginia House of Delegates created by Knight's passing will need to be filled through a special election.

The takeaway

Knight's passing marks the loss of a long-serving and respected member of the Virginia legislature, known for his expertise on budget matters and dedication to his constituents. His absence will be felt in the state capitol as lawmakers continue their work.