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The rundown
Del. Lamont Bagby formally announced his campaign for state Senate
Senate Democrats feel emboldened by recent victories and believe their map is expanding heading into 2023 election season
Bagby announces run for state Senate
Del. Lamont Bagby (D) announced Wednesday that he plans to run for the state Senate to presumably replace Rep.-elect Jennifer McClellan after her congressional election victory Tuesday.
“Our communities are at a crossroads, in need of a leader committed to bridging divides to unleash all the potential Virginia’s future holds — I am proud to announce my State Senate campaign to be that leader for the place I have always called home,” Bagby said. “As a member of the House and Chair of the VLBC, I have prided myself on building a reputation as a leader that can bridge partisan and policy divides to deliver substantive progress. While the impact of all that we have achieved is undeniable, there’s undoubtedly more work to be done. I remain committed to the important work of growing the Commonwealth and bettering the lives of every Virginian in it and am eager to serve the community that made me the man I am today in the State Senate.”
Bagby was elected to the House of Delegates in 2015. Prior to that, he served on the Henrico County School Board.
He does not specify in his announcement whether he is running in a potential special election to finish McClellan’s current term; or the general election for the new district in November. It is likely that he intends to run in whichever election comes first.
The only reason to rush a special election would be to ensure that Democrats keep their full 22-18 majority during the governor’s veto session in April.
According to sources, Democrats are working to ensure a special election will happen prior to the veto session.
VA-04’s Democratic Congressional Committee Chair Alexsis Rodgers has already announced her intentions to run for this seat. She also remained vague in her announcement in reference to a special election. She later clarified to say that she has two residences and would be able to run in either the special or general.
Del. Dawn Adams has also expressed interest in running for the seat.
This will be a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.
