A New Look #Virginia #Senate is Coming

JUNE 20 PRIMARIES 🏃🏾‍♂️ There are some Senate races that will be tough to win in November for both Democrats and Republicans but one thing is certain: A new look Virginia Senate is coming.

A new look Virginia Senate is on the horizon in 2024.

Last night’s stunning defeat of State Senator Chap Petersen at the hands of Saddam Salim, a young progressive energetic candidate all but certain to be elected in November, the Virginia State Senate will be younger and far more progressive.

Four older and/or slightly more conservative Democrats lost last night: State Senator Petersen, State Senator Lionell Spruill, State Senator George Barker and State Senator Joe Morrissey. They will be replaced by Salim, Stella Pekarsky and Lashrecse Aird. Over 300 years of service in the Virginia General Assembly will be departing as new leaders arrive.

Additionally, the victory by Fairfax School Board member Stella Pekarsky over Barker means that State Senator L. Louise Lucas is all but certain to be the Chair of Finance and Appropriations. The shifts in the Virginia Senate involve region, race and age.

Retirements brought on by redistricting will likely add a record number of Black State Senators to the Virginia Senate. Though there are several competitive races in November, there are several more where the winners last night are all but certain to win in the general election in November.

June 20, 2023: Soon to be State Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy smiles as she arrives at her victory night celebration in Woodbridge.

Lashrecse Aird, 36, enjoys victory on primary night.

Young progressive and soon-to-be State Senator Saddam Salim in his campaign office in Fairfax on June 19, 2023.

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