By: Maria–Paula
Lamont Bagby (D), 46, on Tuesday won a special election for the open Richmond based Virginia Senate District 9 seat to replace Representative Jennifer McClellan (D) after trouncing Stephen Imholt(R), 70. He was presented as a favorite when he won the Democratic party nominations in the blue leaning district.
The seat fell vacant after McClellan was elected during a special election in February to the US House of Representatives following the demise of Representative Don McEachin. Although Bagby briefly sorted out the Democratic nomination for the House of Representative seat, he later pulled out in support of McClellan.
Bagby who is expected to vacate his seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, also as a chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, creating yet another special election in a district he’s represented since 2015 will represent the current 9th state Senate District to January 2024, until the end of McClellan’s term.
His service period will involve a one-day session in April to consider Governor Glen Youngkin’s(R), vetoes and proposed amendments to legislation followed by any special sessions that may be called.
Having raised more than $200,000 for the special election against Imholts $580 according to the state records gave him a competitive financial edge during the short campaign period.
“I am grateful for the support we have received throughout the course of this campaign and am honored to be the next State Senator representing the very communities that raised me. To all those who joined us, and to those who didn’t, know that this seat belongs to you and my door will always be open, wrote Bagby in his victory speech.
Bagby’s victory protects Democrats against tie breaking votes in the General Assembly’s upper chamber maintaining their two-seat majority with a general constitution of 22-18. Democrats have since 2011 comfortably won the district, twice unopposed and twice against Libertarian candidates.
The 9th Virginia Senate District includes the entire Charles City County, Richmond, Hanover, and parts of Henrico.
“To all those who joined us, and to those who didn’t, know that this seat belongs to you and my door will always be open. Together, we are going to do great things for Virginia families, from lowering costs for hardworking Virginians and protecting workers’ rights, to ensuring more accessible housing and fortifying Democrats’ brick wall against Republican attacks on reproductive rights, voting rights and public education, we will get it done,” said Bagby.
Imholt, who previously served in Illinois local government before his retirement as a project manager, conceded defeat as he congratulated Bagby for putting together a strong campaign in a short time.
