Virginians Elect Their Legislature In Less Than 4 Months... And God Is Smiling On The Democrats So Far

You may recall that in 2017 Democrats had their biggest legislative gains in Virginia since 1899-- winning 15 Republican-held seats in the House of Delegates. Unfortunately, the schnooks who run the state Democratic Party were-- as always-- aiming low and if not for grassroots progressives who they were ignoring, they wouldn't have done as well as "they" did. But it wasn't enough to flip the chamber, which remains with a 51-49 GOP majority. Just two districts-- and, remember, Governor Northam run 11 districts that are held by Republicans-- and they've got the house back... in time to keep the GOP from gerrymandering the state again. The Republican gubernatorial candidate, Ed Gillespie, didn't win a single House seat held by a Democrat.

Now I want to tell you how much God is loving the Democrats. But first a little background for people who don't live in Virginia. Do you recall Nick Freitas? He's a right-wing kook serving in the House of Delegates seat since 2015. He won the Madison, Orange, (southern) Culpeper County district (30th) without opposition. Now the Democrat running for the 30th district seat, Ann Ridgeway, may win in without opposition!

This is how red that district is. In 2016 Trump won it 61% to 34% against Hillary. Two years before that Gillespie had beaten Senator Warner 61-36%. In 2017 Republican swept the district is a very Democratic year: Gillespie beat Northam 61-38, Lt. Gov. Faifax was bear by Vogel 63-37%, Attorney General Herring was beaten by Adams 62-38%. And last year-- while most of Virginia was celebrating the Blue Wave, HD-30 handed crackpot wing nut Cory Stewart a 57-41% win over incumbent Senator Tim Kaine.

So how is Ridgeway-- who isn't anything special-- going to win the seat with no opposition? Freitas has been too busy, and too ambitious, to worry about his district. Last year he ran against another right-wing lunatic, Cory Stewart, for the U.S. Senate nomination. He lost. Since then, he's been putting all his energy into helping his wife, Tina, who's as crazy as he is, primary a mainstream GOP incumbent, state Senator Emmett Hanger-- who voted for Medicaid expansion last year-- and helping another nut, Scott Wyatt, primary, this time successfully, Republican incumbent, Chris Peace, who also voted for Medicaid expansion. Freitas was so busy with those two races that he forgot to send in his own paperwork to the Virginia Board of Elections, disqualifying himself from seeking reelection.

Being Republican, he at first fought against the rules but last week officially admitted defeat and withdrew from the race. Ridgeway appears to be another centrist Democrat. But... better than a Republican I guess. Her statement when Freitas withdrew: "This election is not about partisan politics, but about who will best represent the 30th district in Richmond. My message and my commitment to our community is the same regardless of who is on the ballot with me in November. I am thrilled to see the support and enthusiasm grow within the District. I am proud of what we have done thus far, and I am optimistic for the future. We have an opportunity to represent Orange, Madison, and Culpeper in a better way, serving the people. As Delegate, I will work to improve our public schools, increase access to affordable health care, fight for greater mental health resources, support our veterans, protect our environment, and advocate for a better quality of life. We vow to show up, to listen, and to adapt to the needs of our constituents. This campaign is about what we’re fighting for, not who we’re running against."

Blue America has endorsed 5 candidates for the state legislature. Ridgeway isn't our kind of candidate but if you want to help the Democrats take back the Virginia legislature, please consider making a contribution at the thermometer on the right. The election is less than 4 months away. And now is the time the candidates need the help most. These are the 10 candidates the DLCC and Virginia Democratic Party are backing-- none the progressives we''re backing: