The Race is On: Bagby, Morrissey, McClellan, Marks, Preston #CD04 #Virginia
HENRICO, VA — 🏃🏾♂️The race for the fourth congressional district includes some obvious contenders and a few surprises. Yesterday at 1 p.m. in Henrico, standing in front of the Lamont Bagby Center, at 1 p.m., Del. Lamont Bagby, Chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, announced his run for U.S. Congress. Bagby, State Senator Jennifer McClellan and Tavorise Marks have filed to run. State Senator “Fighting’ Joe” Morrissey 🥊 has a “major announcement” planned for 11:30 a.m. today in Petersburg and McClellan will announce today at 10 a.m. in Richmond.
Others candidates will follow… A firehouse primary will take place that will decide who the Democratic nominee is on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. Polling locations and times are not yet known. Waiting… the candidate filing fee is little over $3,000 and the deadline to file is noon this Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. Yes, Governor Youngkin set the election for Feb. 21, 2023 but let’s keep it real: Whoever wins the Democratic primary will win the 4th district seat in this deep blue district. 🏃🏾♂️ Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022 is Election Day.
BAGBY ENDORSEMENTS. Supporters for Del. Bagby include includes: Del. Delores McQuinn, Del. Luke Torian, Sam Parham (Petersburg), Mayor Levar Stoney (Richmond), Frank Thornton, Vice-Chairman, Henrico County Board of Supervisors, Byron Adkins, Vice-Chairman, Charles City County Board of Supervisors, Tyrone Nelson, Henrico County Board of Supervisors, Vincent Robertson, Commonwealth Attorney, Sussex County, Roscoe Cooper, Chair, Henrico County Public School Board, Sheriff, Alissa Gregory of Henrico and Sheriff Antionette Irving or Richmond.
“I’m here today in this community asking each and everyone of you who can hear my voice for your support for my run to replace the late great Donald McEachin for the fourth congressional district,” Del. Bagby said as he started speaking.
Bagby mentioned McEachin, who passed away on Nov. 28, often during his remarks and pledged to carry on McEachin’s legislative legacy. He also mentioned he would focus on preventative justice reform policy often championed by Congressman Bobby Scott.
”I promised him and I promised his wife that his legacy would live on forever,” Bagby said of McEachin. He took questions after the announcement.
TODAY IN RICHMOND AND PETERSBURG. 🏃🏾♂️ At 10:30 a.m., State Senator Jennifer McClellan will formally announce her candidacy for Congress at the Bell Tower on Capitol Square at the State Capitol at 101 North 9th Street in Richmond. Today in Petersburg at 11:30 a.m, State Senator Joe Morrissey will address reporters on the 4th congressional district race at Petersburg City Hall at 135 North Union Street.
Former Delegate Joe Preston of Petersburg has also filed to run. Who’s next?
On the Republican side, Leon Benjamin, who Don McEachin beat in November is running along with Dale Sturdifen. 🏃🏾♂️ Sturdifen is a former Mecklenburg County School Board chairman.
A SEVEN DAY CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN? 🏃🏾♂️The above chart reflects all of the exciting possibilities and contenders but few have actually filed. This chart represents a very wide range of individuals who are elected officials or active in the political community.
Del. Lashrecse Aird made it clear yesterday in a statement she is not running for Congress and is focused on competing for State Senate district 13.
Bottom line: The race to fill McEachin’s seat is a seven day congressional campaign. Does it make sense that voters must consider a member of Congress in a little over seven days and right before Christmas. It’s not the fault of the Governor or the candidates, but state laws for special elections are in need of serious modification.
More news coming…
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