Del. Ronnie Campbell's wife intends to run for his seat in the House
Ellen Campbell announced her intentions Thursday morning.
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The rundown
Ellen Campbell says she plans to run for her late husband’s seat in the House of Delegates.
Bagby, Mayor Levar Stoney, and former House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn endorsed Jennifer McClellan in the VA-04 nomination race.
Ellen Campbell plans to run in the special election
Ronnie Campbell passed away earlier this week after a battle with cancer. His wife announced Thursday morning that she plans to continue the work her late-husband was doing and run for his seat in the House of Delegates during the special election to replace him. The special election has not yet been called by the governor.
Read the full announcement from Ellen Campbell below:
“When my husband, Ronnie, was diagnosed with cancer and began his journey fighting it, we found ourselves in frequent prayer and discussion, talking about the concept of legacy. Ronnie devoted his life to service – as a husband, father, grandfather, State Trooper, member of the Rockbridge School Board and Board of Supervisors, and member of the House of Delegates.
“I am proud of Ronnie’s legacy and of everything we did together. The Shenandoah Valley is a better place because of his tireless efforts to serve his constituents, to support small businesses, parents’ rights in their children’s education, our law enforcement officers, and to protect our freedoms.
“As our family mourns Ronnie’s passing, we want the residents of Amherst, Augusta, Bath, Buena Vista, Lexington, and Rockbridge to know that Ronnie’s work will not be left undone.
“With such a slim Republican majority in the House of Delegates, every single vote matters, and we need a conservative who will uphold the values that Ronnie held so dear. After much prayer and contemplation with our family, I have chosen to carry on Ronnie’s legacy by seeking the Republican nomination for the House of Delegates 24th District. I cannot think of a better way to honor my husband’s memory than to continue where he left off in the House.
“My campaign will be releasing more information in the coming days once the Governor announces the date of a Special Election, but I felt it was my responsibility to let the residents of our great district know that the conservative representation they had with my husband Ronnie, I plan to continue.”
Stoney, Bagby, and Filler-Corn endorseMcClellan for Congress
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney followed with Bagby and endorsed Jennifer McClellan’s campaign Thursday. Stoney originally endorsed Bagby on Monday, but now that Bagby has dropped out of the race and endorsed McClellan, Stoney has too.
Former House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn also planned to announce her endorsement of McClellan today without the knowledge that Bagby was dropping out.
Here is the full statement from Filler-Corn in support of McClellan:
“I am proud to endorse Jenn McClellan in the special election for Virginia's 4th Congressional District.
“Senator McClellan has been an effective and vocal champion for reproductive rights, an advocate for working families, and a leading proponent for public education in the General Assembly.
“Jenn has served with distinction for seventeen years, and will make history as the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress. I know the Commonwealth will benefit from her representation.
“During my tenure as Speaker of the House of Delegates, Jenn was vital to the success of historic legislation such as the Virginia Clean Economy Act, the repeal of Republican obstacles to abortion access, the expansion of voting rights, and more.
“Donald McEachin has been my friend and mentor for over twenty years. He was the epitome of a public servant, an incredible and inspiring legislator. As Senator Kaine said, there is no replacing Congressman Donald McEachin but I know Jenn McClellan will be a fantastic successor in the US House of Representatives."
Youngkin proposes $1 billion in tax cuts, higher spending in budget plan - Washington Post
by Greg Schneider and Laura Vozzella
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) is proposing $1 billion worth of tax cuts as part of a wishlist of changes to the two-year state budget that he said are aimed at making Virginia more competitive with other states.
The cuts would be on top of $4 billion in tax reductions the General Assembly approved and Youngkin signed into law earlier this year. They would hit at a time when Youngkin said he expects the national economy to face a downturn or even recession, a prospect that many lawmakers have said makes them leery of reducing state revenue.
How to win a congressional race in 7 days (according to those trying) - Washington Post
By Meagan Flynn, Laura Vozzella, & Gregory S. Schneider
They got into the race on Monday and Tuesday, started slapping together radio ads and phone-banking campaigns by Wednesday, and in less than a week, voters will pick the winner.
Such is the mad-dash craziness of the week-long Democratic primary campaign in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District, which is anchored in Richmond and vacant after the death last month of Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D).
