This is a daily newsletter covering Virginia politics from top to bottom. Please consider becoming the ultimate political insider by supporting non-partisan, independent news and becoming a paid subscriber to this newsletter today.
Have a tip? You can reply to this email, or email me directly at Brandon@virginiascope.com
The rundown
A second Republican announced a primary challenge to Del. Buddy Fowler
A Republican announced his candidacy in the same district as state Sen. Joe Morrissey
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia Endorses Holly Seibold for HD-35 Special Election
Phil Hernandez, a Democratic candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates (HD-94), was endorsed by the Norfolk Federation of Teachers
VB’s Commonwealth's Attorney Colin Stolle Announces His Endorsement of Kevin Adams for State Senate
Executive Schedule
10:00 AM: GOVERNOR GLENN YOUNGKIN PARTICIPATES IN WALL STREET JOURNAL CEO COUNCIL FORUM
LOCATION: Washington, D.C.
5:30 PM: GOVERNOR RECEIVES BRIEFING FROM SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND TRADE CAREN MERRICK
Virginia Elections Board certifies midterm results with no drama - Virginia Mercury
Fowler faces another Republican challenger
Former Louisa GOP Chairman Graven Craig announced his campaign for the HD-59 in the House of Delegates Monday. The district encompasses most of Louisa County along with parts of Hanover and Henrico Counties. Del. Buddy Fowler (R) is running for reelection in this district.
“I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the House of Delegates for the 59th District,” Craig said in a statement. “It is imperative that we nominate a candidate who will fight for job creation, family values, the life of the unborn, and the Constitution, including the Second Amendment and civil liberties.”
Craig is a lawyer in Louisa County.
Philip Strother is also seeking the Republican nomination in this district. Rachel Levy is the only Democrat in the race at this time.
According to an analysis from VPAP, Republican Glenn Youngkin won this district by 27 points in 2021.
Ditri to run in same district as Morrissey
Eric Ditri announced his candidacy for state Senate District 13 on Monday. Ditri is a Republican who grew up in Prince George County and moved back to the area from Baltimore in 2019.
As your next State Senator I will always put people and solutions over politics and the 13th district over partisanship,” Ditri stated in a press release. “Virginia is at a crossroads. For too long we have largely ignored some of the biggest problems facing our community right here in this newly formed 13th Senate district. We need fresh, bold, new leadership that will bring solutions that will no longer continue to kick the can down the road. I look forward to working with the community to help solve the issues that have been plaguing us for too long.”
Ditri works in corporate finance.
State Sen. Joe Morrissey (D) is running in this district as an incumbent and he is facing a primary challenge from former state Del. Lashresce Aird (D).
According to an analysis from VPAP, Democrat Terry McAuliffe won this district by 14 points in 2021.
SD-13 encompasses Petersburg, Prince George, Hopewell, Sussex, Charles City, Surry, and parts of Dinwiddie and Henrico.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia Endorses Holly Seibold for HD-35 Special Election
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia is endorsing the Democrat in the special election to replace Mark Keam in the House of Delegates. Keam resigned to join the Biden administration. The special election is taking place on Jan. 10, one day before the next legislative session begins.
“In this moment, when abortion rights are under attack across the country and millions are living in states where abortion is banned, we need to elect champions for protecting abortion rights. Governor Glenn Youngkin, with the support of extremist politicians in the General Assembly, thinks he can pass an abortion ban in Virginia. We need reproductive health and rights champion Holly Seibold in the House of Delegates to stand up against this attack on our reproductive freedom. Ms. Seibold’s Republican opponent, Monique Baroudi, has a history of supporting anti-abortion rights organizations and would be a vote for banning abortion. This special election is crucial for the millions of Virginians whose federal constitutional right to abortion has been taken from them, putting their rights at risk,” said Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia Executive Director Jamie Lockhart. “Ms. Seibold’s advocacy for menstrual equity through Bringing Resources To Aid Women (BRAWS) and her commitment to education and health care access has made her a proven champion for her community and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia is proud to endorse her in this special election.”
Phil Hernandez, a Democratic candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates (HD-94), has been endorsed by the Norfolk Federation of Teachers
“I know Phil Hernandez will be a champion for our local public schools and teachers because those things are what made Phil the person he is today,” said Thomas Calhoun, NFT President. “He’s someone you can count on to help Norfolk attract and retain teachers and advocate for the resources that our students need to succeed in the classroom. Given Phil’s experience working on education policy in Virginia, he’ll be a strong and effective voice for all of us in the General Assembly.”
Earlier this year, Phil Hernandez was endorsed by Dr. James Fedderman, who serves as President of the Virginia Education Association.
HD-94 is an open seat with no incumbent.
VB’s Commonwealth's Attorney Colin Stolle Announces His Endorsement of Kevin Adams for State Senate
“Kevin is committed to safe communities. He understands that supporting law enforcement is the only way to make Virginia safe," said Stolle. "He is committed to ensuring that we in law enforcement have the resources we need to be effective. Kevin has my full support for the Senate."
Adams is running against Aaron Rouse in the Jan. 10 special election to replace Jen Kiggans in the state Senate.
Youngkin’s early shine faces test as he eyes White House bid - Associated Press
By STEVE PEOPLES and SARAH RANKIN
Glenn Youngkin swept into office as a Republican sensation with a fresh formula for victory as the GOP contemplated its future beyond Donald Trump. But one year after Youngkin became the first Republican in more than a decade to win the Virginia governorship, some in his party believe the shine of his national star is being tested just as he quietly contemplates a 2024 presidential run.
Most of the midterm candidates Youngkin tried to help this fall were defeated. Major presidential donors, even those who support him, see the 55-year-old former private-equity chief as simply one in a crowded class of would-be Trump alternatives. And there’s concern that Youngkin has few resonant accomplishments to sell skeptical Republican primary voters.
UPDATED: Grand jury criticizes LCPS handling of student sexual assaults - Loudoun Times
BY EVAN GOODENOW
A special grand jury formed to investigate Loudoun County Public Schools handling of two sexual assaults of students by the same student concluded there was no coverup or crimes by LCPS officials, but was highly critical of their behavior.
The report, released on Monday, accused administrators of "institutional amnesia" and said Superintendent Scott A. Ziegler lied when he said at a June 22, 2021, school board meeting that he had no knowledge of any records of sexual assaults occurring in school bathrooms. The report said Ziegler was aware that a girl had been assaulted in the bathroom of Stone Bridge High School on May 28, 2021 — texts from the boy show he arranged to meet the girl in the bathroom — when Ziegler made the statement at the meeting.
More Links