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The rundown
Democrats announce the nomination process to replace Jennifer McClellan in the state Senate
Louise Lucas endorsed a Democrat in the special election to replace McClellan
Dawn Adams announced her campaign for the state Senate
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Democrats announce a firehouse primary for this Sunday
Rep.-elect Jennifer McClellan (D) submitted her resignation letter to President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Louis Lucas, on Wednesday. Her resignation goes into effect either on March 7, or whenever the clerk of the House of Representatives schedules her swearing-in ceremony — whichever comes first.
Lucas called for the special election to take place on March 28. This gives each party just four days to have a nominee. Democrats have chosen to hold a firehouse primary on Sunday, Feb. 26 between 9 am and 6 pm. The locations were not released yet as of Wednesday night.
To file, candidates must submit a $2,500 filing fee and signatures from 50 registered voters in the 9th State Senate District, along with a copy of the candidate’s Certificate of Candidate Qualification and Statement of Economic Interest, to the SD-09 Nominating Committee Democratic Committee by 7:00 PM on Friday, February 24, 2023.
Due to McClellan submitting her resignation letter during session, Lucas has the power to call a special session. If the Senate adjourned prior to a special session being called, the responsibility would then be on Gov. Glenn Youngkin to call the special election - a task he might not have been in a hurry to do to give Democrats one less vote in the senate during the veto session in mid-March.
So far, three Democrats have said they plan to run in the special election: Del. Lamont Bagbhy, Del. Dawn Adams, and Alexsis Rodgers.
Stay tuned as this will continue to be a developing story.
