Virginia politics week in review
A look at everything that happened in Virginia politics this week.
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Some Returning and Some New Faces to Serve as House Committee Chairs
Several delegates who chaired committees in 2020 and 2021 will be returning to their roles in January – but a few committees will have new leadership for the new session. These positions will become effective upon Scott’s expected election as Speaker by the House of Delegates on January 10.
Lateef to run for lieutenant governor
Prince William County School Board Chair Dr. Babur Lateef (D) filed paperwork Friday to run for lieutenant governor in 2025. A spokesperson for Leteef says a formal announcement will be coming eventually.
Recount happening in HD-82
HD-82 Democratic candidate Kimberly Pope Adams' filed a petition in the Dinwiddie Circuit Court to request a vote recount. The court granted the motion and set the date for the recount as Dec. 19. Pope Adams lost to Del. Kim Taylor by 78 votes in November.
“I will allow the process to take the full time and effort necessary to ensure that every valid vote is counted. While I am hopeful of the outcome, I will respect the results,” Pope Adams said in a statement.
Del. Adams to resign from House before new term starts
Del. Les Adams (R) sent a letter to the clerk in the House of Delegates this week notifying him and Republican leadership that he is resigning from the seat he was just elected to last month. His last day will be Jan. 9.
Republicans squabbled over the process to replace Adams in the House. RPV Chair Rich Anderson expressed his displeasure with how the local committee handled the matter.
Republicans chose Eric Phillips to be their nominee. He will win the safe ‘R’ district if any Democrats decide to run.
Sen. Frank Ruff is retiring before his new term begins
State Sen. Frank Ruff is retiring at the end of his current term after being diagnosed with cancer. He just won reelection last month but will not take the oath for the new four-year term in January. He also announced that he is endorsing his former legislative aid to replace him.
“Having recently been diagnosed with cancer, and entering into an aggressive and ongoing treatment regimen, I have concluded I may not be able to devote 100% of my focus to doing the work needed in the General Assembly. Consequently, I believe now is the right time to retire,” Ruff said in a statement.
It looks like Virginia could have an NBA and NHL team soon
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday that a deal has been reached with Monumental Sports & Entertainment to potentially construct a new entertainment district in Alexandria. The project still needs General Assembly approval.
According to the governor’s office, the new district at Potomac Yard would include an arena for both the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, a Monumental Sports Network media studio, the Wizards practice facility, a performing arts venue, and an expanded esports facility. It would also include new retail, residential, restaurants, hotels, conferences, and community gathering spaces.
Gov. Youngkin announced additional appointments to his administration Friday.
Youngkin announced appointments to his administration Friday night.
Jones files bill aimed at reducing unintentional gun deaths in Virginia
Richmond’s Del.-elect Mike Jones (D) introduced a bill that would make selling or transferring a firearm illegal without including a child safety lock.
The bill would also require a written warning to be included that states handguns should be locked and kept away from children.
Other top stories from Virginia politics this week:
Youngkin praises Trump on economy, downplays ‘dictator’ fears - CNBC
Va. ABC official files whistleblower suit, alleging retaliation for reporting millions in losses - Va Mercury
Tier of high salaries grows at Va. education department amid turnover - RTD
Rep. Bob Good tapped to serve as next chair of House Freedom Caucus - Axios
Judge rules against Virginia NAACP seeking Youngkin info on felon rights - Washington Post
Petersburg takes first step to land a casino after Richmond folds - RTD
Youngkin wants more tax relief, says abortion stance was not a mistake - RTD
Governor announces $90 million funding proposal for ‘Virginia’s Research Triangle’ - Cardinal
Youngkin Calls for Harvard, MIT Heads to Face Increased Scrutiny - Bloomberg
Dems reintroduce bill to let Virginia localities fund school capital projects through sales tax - Va Mercury