Goldman lost his lawsuit
He was trying to force new House of Delegates elections under the new district lines this year.
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Court rules against Goldman
Paul Goldman lost his lawsuit that was trying to force new elections in the House of Delegates. A panel of judges released an opinion and Attorney General Jason Miyares claimed victory in the case that he took over from his predecessor.
Goldman was trying to force new elections under the new lines that were put in place with redistricting after the 2021 elections took place. Census delays and the redistricting commission’s collapse caused the timing problems.
“The 2021 Virginia elections were legal and constitutional,” Miyares said in a press release announcing the victory. “Record numbers of Virginians went to the polls to vote and had their voices heard. I’m glad that the court agreed with my office, that there is no more uncertainty for voters and legislators, and that we were able to protect the sanctity of our 2021 elections.”
Miyares’ party saw big gains in 2021 by flipping seven seats. They would have had to defend those gains this year and possibly lose control of the House of Delegates where they now hold a two-seat majority.
The House runs for reelection every two years. If Goldman had been successful in his lawsuit, there would have been three straight years of elections for the House of Delegates in Virginia.
Virginia Mercury has coverage of the backstory and more on the 31-page opinion released today.
Youngkin Announces Members of the Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced the members of the Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support Monday. He formed this commission formed on his first day in office to serve as an advisory council and make recommendations to combat human trafficking in Virginia.
“This Commission is proof that Virginia is committed to ending human trafficking,” Youngkin said in a press release Monday. “The conviction of human traffickers, empowerment of survivors, and prevention of others from becoming victims are top public safety priorities for the Commonwealth. That is why I signed the executive order for this commission on my first day in office. We must remain vigilant to ensure that those who work tirelessly to combat human trafficking and help survivors are equipped with the tools necessary to win this fight.”
According to the press release from Youngkin’s office, the Commission will be responsible for coordinating with the Secretary of Public Safety, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Labor, the Office of Attorney General, as well as the State Trafficking Response Coordinator, and any other federal, state, local, or private sector entities to increase law enforcement awareness, empower and support survivors, and enhance trafficking prevention education throughout the commonwealth.
The new commission consists of the following members: