Another Leesburg Attorney Enters Race to Replace Herring in 33rd Senate District
Recount still likely in state AG race, but 10th Congressional District GOP chair throws his hat in the ring, targets 'Obamacare.'
Posted by Dusty Smith (Editor) ,
John Whitbeck, left, standing with Del. Randy Minchew, on Monday announced plans to run for state Senate. Patch file photo
While the Democrats have already moved forward with a firehouse primary to choose a candidate to for Virginia’s 33rd Senate District, Republican John Whitbeck waited until the Virginia State Board of Elections certified Sen. Mark Herring’s election to Virginia Attorney General to announce his run.
Monday appeared to make clear that a recount is imminent, referencing a discussion he has had with Sen. Mark Obenshain, who lost to Herring by 165 votes in the AG race, according to the certified vote. That narrow margin means Obenshain can request a recount paid for by the state.
“I have personally spoken to Mark Obenshain about my announcement, and we are working very hard together to ensure that he is next Attorney General,” Whitbeck in an announcement released to the media. “However, as Mark agrees, we need to be prepared to run this campaign depending on what happens with the recount.”
The Virginia Senate is now divided evenly, with 20 Democrats and 20 Republicans, while he GOP controls the House of Delegates. If Herring’s win holds, then Democrats would need to win Herring’s seat to keep the tie. Lt. Gov.-elect Ralph Northam will serve as president of the Senate.
Whitbeck, who lives in Lansdowne, laid out his goals, which include stopping Gov.-elect Terry McAuliffe from expanding the Affordable Care Act in Virginia.
“I am running for the State Senate to ensure Obamacare is not expanded in Virginia, to make sure tax dollars taken from our region for transportation stay in our region, and that our children have access to a world-class education,” Whitbeck said in the statement, turning back to the ACA. “This divisive plan would hurt Virginia families and businesses, and we will need effective leadership in Richmond to stop it.”
“I am running for the State Senate to ensure Obamacare is not expanded in Virginia, to make sure tax dollars taken from our region for transportation stay in our region, and that our children have access to a world-class education,” Whitbeck said in the statement, turning back to the ACA. “This divisive plan would hurt Virginia families and businesses, and we will need effective leadership in Richmond to stop it.”
Whitbeck now serves as chairman of the 10th Congressional District Republican Committee, is a partner in the Leesburg law firm Whitbeck, Cisneros McElroy PC, is an adjunct professor at George Mason Law School, and has served as a substitute judge.
If the seat ultimately becomes open and Whitbeck becomes the Republican nominee, he would face Democrat Jennifer Wexton – another Leesburg attorney who also has served as a substitute judge – in the special election.
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