Parham Backs Morrissey: Petersburg Mayor Clarifies Who He Endorses for Congress #CD04

PETERSBURG, VA — Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham clarified who he supports for Congress for the fourth congressional district a day after appearing on the endorsement list for fellow Democrat Del. Lamont Bagby. In a rushed seven day race 🏃🏾‍♂️ for U.S. Congress, there should be no surprise that there’s confusion after a weekend flurry of candidate phone calls, texts and political jockeying.

Dec. 13, 2022: Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham, left, stands with State Senator Joe Morrissey at his announcement for the 4th district seat.

After State Senator Joe Morrissey 🥊 announced he was running for Congress in front of Petersburg City hall yesterday, it wasn’t Morrissey who was asked the first three questions. It was Mayor Samuel Parham.

The Mayor appeared on an endorsement list the day before on Monday, Dec. 12 in support of Delegate Lamont Bagby. That same night, a robocall of Mayor Parham speaking in support of Morrissey was heard widely and shared amongst many in the community on the night of Dec. 12. The robocall focused on the issue of gun violence and can be heard below:

Reporters pressed Mayor Parham three times on the question of who he endorses for Congress and he clarified his support for State Senator Morrissey who represents Petersburg.

Sen. Morrissey speaks with media on voting rights and the compacted election process on Dec. 13 after announcing his run for Congress.

“I just want to clarify that we are all Democrats. Del. Bagby along with Senator McClellan — we are all friends to me and we all fellow Dems. You got to realize that I did not publicly come out and endorse Delegate Bagby but I am encouraging everyone to come out to vote Democrat and I'm standing here today with Senator Morrissey because he is my Senator. I believe in what he's doing here in Petersburg. It's without a doubt that I'm standing here with him today to give him my support,” Mayor Parham answered to a group of about ten members of the media outside Petersburg City Hall.

Reporters pressed the Mayor to clarify again with two more questions on the endorsement matter. When he was asked why he was on Del. Bagby’s endorsement list, Mayor Parham answered again.

Sen. Joe Morrissey speaks at his announcement with Parham at left.

“I did not put out any statement of of endorsement. I just want to wish all of our fellow Dems to be able to come together after this and do what's best for Petersburg. I mean, the city of Petersburg is working with with everybody across congressional lines. We have to come together after this is over in six days, and we got all do what's right by the people here in Petersburg — and show we show the Commonwealth that we can all come and work together after this fight is over. But it’s without a doubt that I'm supporting. Senator Morrissey,” Parham answered.

Sen. Morrissey was also joined at his announcement by three other members of the the Petersburg City Council. The rushed process for the fourth congressional seat is bound to yield more moments like this over the next six days.

Petersburg, Virginia has been in the news a lot lately related to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s plans for the city and a possible casino and gaming complex in the city.

#CD04. Virginia Democrats put out the voting location information yesterday for the Dec. 20, 2022 election — which again, really is THE election for the fourth congressional seat. Whoever wins on Dec. 20, 2022 will serve in Congress.

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