Small Business Costs in Virginia's 1st District Jump as Election Nears

Local business owners in Virginia's 1st Congressional District are absorbing sharp increases in input costs ahead of the midterm election. In Tappahannock, a riverside town in the district's eastern section, cafe owner Jeans Owens reports that her operating expenses have risen sharply since 2022. She stated that coffee prices are up more than 30%. The cost of takeout boxes has nearly tripled, rising from 12 cents to nearly 30 cents per unit. The combined cost for a cup, lid, and straw has jumped from approximately 3 cents to over 20 cents. Her monthly electricity bill, which typically ranges between $450 and $500, recently exceeded $1,000.

Owens and her husband acquired Java Jacks eight years ago, initially viewing the business as a retirement vehicle. They took over the one-story establishment in 2018, a period that coincided with the pandemic and high inflation. To keep menu items at $10, Owens shifted purchasing habits. She now buys milk and juice at Walmart early in the morning and sources fresh fruit from a local grocery store. She rotates among three suppliers to secure the lowest prices. These adjustments have not eliminated the strain; she is now taking kitchen shifts to cover staffing gaps at her two locations.

The labor market in this rural area, where the median income is approximately $50,000 annually, presents additional hurdles. Owens noted that rents have increased, forcing her to assist employees with housing, including temporary motel stays. Transportation costs remain a barrier for workers without cars. She currently carpools about five employees to work. These operational challenges are unfolding as the district prepares to vote between incumbent Republican Rob Wittman and Democrat Shannon Taylor.

Owens, who is running for the non-partisan town council, said she wants the next member of Congress to understand the current financial reality of small businesses. She described the situation bluntly, stating, "We're struggling." She is not alone in feeling the pressure. Jameka Campbell, who works two jobs in Richmond County, including roles at the Menokin historical site and the nonprofit Just Harvest Va, tracks household expenses closely to manage her budget. She uses coupons and bulk buying strategies to stretch her income while raising two children.

Campbell said she reviews candidates' track records and property ownership to determine who represents her interests. She plans to make her final voting decision closer to election day. She described her current financial position as being in between rich and poor, noting that she could lose both jobs in an instant. For now, she focuses on daily survival tactics, such as saving $27.71 on a recent household shopping trip. She views these small savings as equivalent to a quarter tank of gas. The next scheduled step for both residents is the general election vote in November.

The district includes diverse economic zones, from rural Tappahannock to the Henrico County area where Taylor serves as commonwealth's attorney. Both candidates are campaigning in this tight race. Owens will not discuss the specific political leanings of the candidates but emphasizes the need for legislative awareness of small business costs. Campbell is monitoring the candidates' responses to economic issues. The race remains competitive, with no clear frontrunner declared in recent polling. The next major event for these residents is casting ballots in the midterm election.