Democrats flip House, keep Senate; Richmonders reject casino
2023 General Assembly election results. Infographics by Solimar Santoyo.
Selna Shi, News Editor
Katie Farthing, Copy Editor
Andrew Kerley, Audience Editor
Jack Glagola, Contributing Writer
Sarah Hagen, Contributing Writer
Tarazha Jenkins, Contributing Writer
Elliot Skelton, Contributing Writer
Virginia Democrats gained control of the House of Delegates and maintained the State Senate.
The Virginia House of Delegates flipped with 51 Democrats and 46 Republicans, with three districts undecided, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. The State Senate stays under Democratic control with 21 Democrats and 18 Republicans, with one undecided district, according to VPAP. HD 57, HD 71, HD 82 and SD 24 undecided as of 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Commonwealth Times followed the casino referendum and 13 districts rated “competitive” by VPAP.
Casino Referendum
Richmonders rejected the Richmond Grand Casino referendum with 61.62% of the votes, according to VPAP. 38.38% of residents voted “Yes.”
The city previously held a casino referendum in 2021, but lost with 49.05% of the vote, according to VPAP.
Richmond Wins, Vote Yes — a referendum committee for the casino — conceded the loss, according to The Virginian-Pilot.
“We are grateful to the thousands of Richmonders who voted for good jobs and a stronger city, especially those in Southside who poured their hearts into this project,” the committee stated.
Paul Goldman, founder of No Means No Casino, stated Richmond cannot be built on “old resentments.”
“For too long, the politics of Richmond has been controlled by politicians and their allies who put their own self interest before the public interest. Today the people of Richmond said clearly ‘those days are over,’” Goldman stated.
Mayor Levar Stoney said Richmond was lucky to have companies willing to invest in Southside in a video by CBS6 reporter Tyler Layne.
“You know what, if that opportunity comes along again it’s my hope that we will actually be able to move forward and say yes to that,” Stoney said.
Democrat Josh Thomas won HD 21, which covers Prince William County, with 51.48% of the vote against Republican John Stirrup, according to VPAP.
Republican Ian Lovejoy won HD 22, which covers Prince William County, with 52.6% of the vote against Democrat Travis Nembhard, according to VPAP.
Lovejoy thanked his team and supporters on his Facebook page.
“The hard work is not over- in fact it is just beginning,” Lovejoy stated. “My team will immediately begin working with any current delegates representing portions of HD22 to transition ongoing constituent needs to our office.”
Republican David Owen won HD 57 against Democrat Susanna Gibson with 51.16% of the votes, according to VPAP.
Democrat Joshua Cole won HD 65, defeating Republican Lee Peters, with 52.61% of the votes, according to VPAP.
“WE DID IT!! I am READY to get back to Richmond to fight for Lottie, Dottie, and EVERYBODY!!” Cole stated on his Facebook page.
Republican Baxter Ennis won HD 89, beating Democrat Karen Jenkins, with 51.17% of votes, according to VPAP.
Democrat Michael Feggans won HD 97 and beat Republican Karen Greenhalgh with 53.90% of votes, according to VPAP.
Democrat Schuyler VanValkenburg won SD 16, covering Henrico County, with 54.30% of the vote against Republican incumbent Siobhan Dunnavant, according to VPAP.
“We did it. Thank you, Henrico,” VanValkenburg stated in a tweet.
Republican Tara Durant won SD 27 with 48.33% of the vote against Democrat Joel Griffin, according to VPAP.
“Now, the real work begins ~ when the 2024 Session begins in just a few short months, it’ll be time to put pen to paper to deliver permanent tax relief, additional support for law enforcement and school safety measures, and solutions to help our students learn and thrive in school,” Durant stated on Facebook.
Democrat Russet Perry won SD 31 with 52.52% of the vote against Republican Juan Pablo Segura, according to VPAP.
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