Two more join field for Virginia election

RICHMOND, Va. — Two more Virginia state lawmakers Tuesday jumped into the crowded field of candidates seeking to replace U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin, who died last month.

Sens. Jennifer McClellan and Joe Morrissey announced their candidacies at events in Richmond and Petersburg. At least five candidates have now indicated plans to seek the Democratic nomination in Tuesday’s unassembled caucus, also known as a firehouse primary, which typically involves multiple locations for voters to cast a ballot.

The winner of that contest will have an enormous structural advantage in the overwhelmingly Democratic district heading into the Feb. 21 special election, which GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin set on Monday. The tight timeline was necessary because of state voting laws but has set off a mad dash.

McClellan is a long-serving lawmaker who will benefit from heightened name recognition because of a bid for the Democratic nomination for governor last year. A corporate attorney, he has played a leading role in many of Virginia Democrats’ key legislative accomplishments in the past several years, including sponsoring a landmark clean energy bill and a measure that greatly reduced barriers to abortion access in the state.

Morrissey is a flamboyant attorney who overcame a litany of scandals to win election to the Senate in 2020. He’s a leading voice on criminal justice reform, and his office has a strong reputation for its grassroots connections and constituent service.

Another General Assembly member, Del. Lamont Bagby, announced his candidacy Monday. He is a former educator and chair of the powerful legislative Black caucus, and has said he was close with McEachin.