Youngkin to meet with megadonors in Dallas
There now appears to be a date for the SD-17 nomination convention.
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Youngkin to meet with big Republican donors
Rodney Rowling, the owner of Omni Hotels is hosting a fundraiser with GOP megadonors for Governor Glenn Youngkin next month.
The Washington Post first reported the scoop. Rowling gave $25,000 to Youngkin’s gubernatorial campaign in 2021.
Campaign Trail
State Sen. Creigh Deeds endorsed Russet Perry for the Democratic nomination in SD-31. “Russet Perry is a committed public servant, and I value her leadership in establishing a mental health docket and prioritizing crisis intervention training in the community,” Deeds said. “She will bring a much-needed voice to Richmond, and I look forward to working with her in the Senate to improve our behavioral health system.”
Zach Cummings is also seeking the nomination.
Juan Pablo Segura is the only Republican running in SD-31. He is expected to be very well funded.
Former VA Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli endorsed Graven Craig in HD-59.
Craig is primarying Del. Buddy Fowler. Watch the endorsement video from Cuccinelli here.
Reporting from the Central Virginia Update Newsletter: “Tim Griffin, a Bob Good follower who leads the local Bedford ‘Republican’ club, and Sarah Mays, an anti-abortion activist from Amherst, have both submitted their paperwork for the HD-54 Republican nomination to be decided in a convention May 6th at Jefferson Forest High School.”
HD-54 is Northern Bedford County, Southern Nelson County, and all of Amherst.
This is a strong Republican district according to analysis from VPAP.
More Reporting from the Central Virginia Update Newsletter: “In southern Bedford County, incumbent Delegate Matt Farris (R-Rustburg) faces a challenge from Eric Zehr, a longtime Bob Good acolyte, for the nomination in the 51st House District.”
HD-51 is comprised of most of Campbell County, Southern Bedford, and a tiny piece of Northern Pittsylvania.
This is also a strong Republican district according to VPAP.
Senate District 17
SD-17 has new boundaries with no incumbent and would be a big pick-up for Democrats if they are able to win it this November. Only one Democrat is currently in the race, but two Republicans are battling hard for the nomination. There now appears to be a date for that nomination convention.
The district is comprised of 10 localities on the Southside.
Del. Emily Brewer and Hermie Sadler are seeking the Republican nomination.
After some initial back and forth over what the nomination process would be, it seems like the convention is set for June 3 at Paul D. Camp Community College’s Franklin campus.
Del. Clint Jenkins is the only Democrat in the race.
According to analysis from VPAP, Glenn Youngkin won this district by five points in 2021.
Democrats do not need to win this district in order to keep their majority in the Senate, but winning this seat would be a positive bellwether of results across the commonwealth and likely mean their majority has expanded.
Related Commentary from Blue Virginia: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maintaining – or Even Expanding – the Democratic Majority in the VA State Senate This November