Russell Magisterial District (Russell)

Area & Communities: The Russell District corresponds to the Russell precinct, covering a predominantly northwestern swath of Clarke County. This district includes the western outskirts of Berryville, everything north of Senseny Road, stretching toward the western border with Frederick County at the Opequon Creek and north to Jefferson County, WV line, enclosed by west by Route 340. It is named after an influential local family (the Russells) who were prominent in Clarke’s early 19th-century history – one of Clarke’s first judges was Judge Isaac Russell, for whom the district is likely named. The Russell District is largely rural: encompassing significant cattle and horse pastures. Unlike all the other Districts, Russell does not have any portion accessing the Shenandoah River. The Russell District also does not have any unincorporated communities unlike all of the other Districts.

Representation: Doug Lawrence represents the Russell Magisterial District on the Board of Supervisors. He is known for a hands-on approach – it’s not uncommon to see him personally checking on road conditions or attending volunteer fire company dinners. Mr. Lawrence (a Republican) has been active in regional committees as well, given that his district borders other counties. On the School Board, Casey D. Kennedy is the member for Russell District. The Russell District’s elected officials often prioritize issues like infrastructure (e.g. the condition of Route 340 and the two-lane bridges over the Shenandoah), emergency services coverage (the district is served by Boyce and John H. Enders fire companies).

Politics & Voting: Russell District is safely Republican in its voting behavior. The precinct votes at the county recreation center located within its district, but it comprises mostly rural/exurban voters outside the town limits. In recent elections, the Russell precinct has delivered some of the highest GOP percentages in Clarke. For instance, in the 2021 governor’s election, Russell precinct gave Glenn Youngkin roughly 65% of its vote, one of Youngkin’s best showings in the county. In the 2020 presidential race, Russell precinct similarly leaned about 2:1 Republican. In 2024, Russell voters cast ballots for Donald Trump at 70.05% to Kamala Harris at 26.65%. Historically, even when Berryville town (neighboring district) might have narrower margins, Russell tends to be more one-sided. It was noted that during the 2017 House of Delegates race, Russell precinct gave Republican Dave LaRock about 65% and Democrat Tia Walbridge 34% – demonstrating a strong GOP baseline. Local races are typically uncontested here; Supervisor Lawrence usually only faces token opposition if any. The electorate in Russell District skews older and is strongly conservative on issues like gun rights and land rights. One interesting pattern: turnout in Russell can vary because it’s a geographically large precinct – farmers at harvest time sometimes vote absentee at lower rates. However, in big elections, Russell’s turnout is robust and reliably red. Given its location, the district also has some crossover with Frederick County media – residents often listen to Winchester radio and thus get Northern Shenandoah political messaging, which is heavily Republican. All told, Russell District votes much like its Valley neighbors: Republican across the board.

Unique Facts: The Russell District contains the Ruritan's famous Clarke County Fairgrounds where one of Virginia's best fairs is held annually in August. With a robust 4-H livestock exhibition, and nightly crowd events alongside the carnival, the Clarke County Fair attracts fairgoers from both near and far seeking to reclaim a slice of nostalgia and family-friendly Americana every year.