Delegate Lamont Bagby Archives

Del. Bagby Withdraws and Endorses Sen. McClellan in VA-04 Race as Democrats Unite Against Sen. Morrissey

December 17, 2022December 16, 2022 Eric Burk

Delegate Lamont Bagby (D-Henrico) has withdrawn from the race for the nomination for the open VA-04 congressional seat and endorsed Senator Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond), a move that comes as top Virginia Democrats try to block controversial Senator Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) from taking the nomination for the safe-Democratic seat. After Morrissey announced for the race, endorsements from top Democrats like Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) started to come in, with more coming in after Bagby’s Thursday withdrawal.

State Senators McClellan, Morrissey, and Delegate Bagby Announce Campaigns for VA-04

December 14, 2022December 13, 2022 Eric Burk

RICHMOND, Virginia – State Senators Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond) and Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) announced their campaigns for the seven-day primary for the Democratic nomination in Virginia’s 4th Congressional District.

McClellan pitched herself as a natural successor to late Representative Don McEachin on Tuesday, and shortly afterward, Morrissey emphasized his legislative record and opposition to Democratic elites.

Delegate Lamont Bagby (D-Henrico) had already announced his campaign on Monday.

Virginia State Senators Morrissey, McClellan Favorites to Win Special Election for Vacant VA-04 Seat

December 13, 2022December 12, 2022 Eric Burk

Governor Glenn Youngkin ordered a February 21, 2023 special election to fill late Congressman Don McEachin’s seat, setting off a tight timeline for nominations in the safe-D seat. Senator Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond), Senator Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond), and Delegate Lamont Bagby (D-Henrico) are the top candidates for the race.

McClellan and Bagby have already filed to run for the race, but only Bagby has officially announced his candidacy. On Monday afternoon, Morrissey seemed to confirmed speculation that he would enter the race, announcing a “major announcement” to be made at a Tuesday press conference. At the same time, fierce Morrissey ally John Fredericks, publisher of The Virginia Star, tweeted “Breaking…!VA-04 Shakeup! In upcoming Special,centrist VA Sen Joe Morrissey (D) expected to get in the race tomorrow-11:30 am presser at Petersburg City Hall. His entry completely changes dynamics in big name crowded field. If he gets in, he wins!”

Youngkin Sets Date for Virginia Special Election

December 13, 2022 The Center Square

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Monday a special election following the death of U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA-04), will be February 21.

The election will fill Virginia’s 4th Congressional District, which was held by McEachin from 2017 until his death November 28. McEachin died from complications of colorectal cancer less than three weeks after winning re-election, as previously reported by The Center Square. McEachin’s funeral was in Richmond last week.

Delegate Cordoza Says He Was Denied Entry to Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Showing Caucus Not About Being Black, but Being Leftist

February 5, 2022February 4, 2022 Eric Burk

Freshman Delegate A.C. Cordoza (R-Hampton) said in a Thursday speech in the House of Delegates that the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) wouldn’t allow him to join due to political differences, but VLBC Chair Lamont Bagby (D-Henrico) told The Virginia Star that it was due to concern over Cordoza’s motives.

“When I came to this assembly, I expected to be welcomed with open arms by my brothers and sisters in the Legislative Black Caucus. Instead, I was rejected by a vote. While I’m sure a few of my brothers and sisters voted for me to join them, the majority did not,” Cordoza said in his speech. “This was disheartening but not shocking. The questionnaire for entry had little to do with being black, and had more to do with being leftist.”

Governor Ralph Northam Signs Major New Clean Car Standards Bill

March 21, 2021March 20, 2021 Eric Burk

Governor Ralph Northam announced newly-signed legislation Friday that will require approximately eight percent of model year 2025 vehicles sold in Virginia to be zero-emissions vehicles. HB 1965, introduced by Delegate Lamont Bagby (D-Henrico), adds Virginia to the list of states following California’s vehicle emissions standards, which are stricter than the federal standards Virginia currently follows.

Virginia General Assembly Approves Moving Local Elections from May to November

March 5, 2021March 4, 2021 Eric Burk

The General Assembly has passed legislation to move local elections for city, town council, and school board from May to November, starting in 2022. Proponents say the bill will boost voter turnout, especially among working-class voters, while many city officials say the bill is state interference that will lead to greater partisanship in local elections.

House Passes Legislation to Help Virginia Administer Vaccinations, Senate Version Waiting to be Heard

January 28, 2021January 27, 2021 Jacob Taylor

The Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday passed emergency legislation to speed up the state’s slow vaccination campaign by expanding which health care workers can administer shots to citizens and locations serving as inoculation sites.

House Bill 2333, introduced by Del. Lamont Bagby (D-Henrico), passed the House with bipartisan support from committee to a final floor vote in just one day, a process that normally takes multiple meetings of the body.

Virginia Republicans Blast Northam’s Budget Proposal to Expand Court of Appeals

December 18, 2020December 17, 2020 Jacob Taylor

After Governor Ralph Northam made a number of proposals to the state’s biennial budget on Wednesday, several Republican legislators rebuked the Democrat’s recommendation to expand the Virginia Court of Appeals and claimed he was trying to pack the court.

Northam presented his budget proposals during a virtual meeting with the House of Delegates and Senate appropriation committees.

Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy Stepping Down from House to Focus on Run for Virginia Governor

December 9, 2020December 8, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Virginia State Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy (D-Prince William) said Tuesday that she was stepping down from her position in the House of Delegates to focus on securing the Democratic nomination for the 2021 gubernatorial election.

Carroll Foy, one of several Democratic candidates for governor, announced the decision in a video posted to social media.

Juneteenth Is Now a Legal Holiday in the State of Virginia

October 18, 2020October 17, 2020 Jacob Taylor

Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation this week passed during the General Assembly 2020 special session into law making Juneteenth an officially recognized holiday in the Commonwealth.

Juneteenth will now be a permanent, statewide holiday allowing all state employees to get a paid day off from work.