Del. Tom Rust and State Sen. Jeff McWaters have announced that they will be leaving the General Assembly and Del. Bill DeSteph has declared for McWaters’ seat; Jason Miyares for DeSteph’s delegate position.
Rust, a former 19-year mayor of Herndon, was elected to the House of Delegates in 2001 and represents the 86th District.
“I’ve been fortunate in my life to receive some recognition and awards from various groups in both my public life and my professional life. I treasure those, I truly do, but nothing is quite like being a member of this historic body. It’s truly an honor to have served with you,” Rust said in a speech announcing his retirement to the General Assembly.
Rust was largely praised by his colleagues, including Speaker of the House William Howell:
“During Tom Rust’s 13 years in the House, he has become of one of the most effective legislators in Richmond, demonstrating a willingness to look at and find solutions to complicated issues. Tom has played a major role in passing landmark reforms to higher education and transportation, and offered valuable expertise and insight on a myriad of other issues. His solutions-oriented nature and affable demeanor will be missed.”
Also resigning is McWaters. The Virginia Beach senator was first elected in 2009.
“This responsibility has not been taken lightly. It has been my daily goal to vote my conscience and to represent – fairly and judiciously – all of the citizens of Virginia Beach, regardless of position or political party,” wrote McWaters in a letter to constituents. “Recently, I decided that it is time for my season of public service to come to an end, giving others the opportunity to step in.”
And it didn’t take long for that to happen.
DeSteph, a former Virginia Beach councilman and was only elected delegate in 2013, quickly announced his intentions to seek McWaters’ seat and also announced he had McWaters’ endorsement.
“Today I am announcing that I will seek the Republican nomination for the Virginia Senate in the Eighth Senatorial District to replace Senator Jeff McWaters, who will not be seeking re-election,” wrote DeSteph. “I am grateful for Jeff’s endorsement as I seek to represent Virginia Beach in the Senate of Virginia.”
Following shortly on DeSteph’s announcement, a former Virginia Beach prosecutor, communications consultant, and strategic advisor to Congressman Scott Rigell, Jason Miyares, declared his candidacy for DeSteph’s delegate seat.
“As a former prosecutor, I was dedicated to keeping our families safe from violent criminals. Now, I want to bring my proven track record of common-sense conservative leadership to Richmond to build a more prosperous Virginia Beach. My vision is to make Virginia Beach the best place in the world to raise a family, start a business and create jobs. I look forward to meeting voters in every part of the 82nd district and a vigorous campaign in the days ahead,” wrote Miyares in his release.
