James Harder is Democrats' pick to go against Yost in 12th District 

James Harder this week gained Democrats' formal go-ahead to run against Del. Joseph Yost, R-Blacksburg, after no other candidate met the pre-filing deadline.

"I look forward to speaking with residents across the district about the issues that matter to them the most," Harder said in a statement issued Wednesday. He said his priorities include improving school funding, and boosting local businesses and farms.

The 12th District includes Giles County, Radford and parts of Pulaski and Montgomery counties.

Harder lives in Blacksburg and is a grandson of Joan Munford, who served in the House of Delegates from 1982 to 1993.

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