Republicans Peake and Holcomb Win SD 22, HOD 85
Pack your bags, Mark Peake and Rocky Holcomb, because you are on your way to Richmond after winning Tuesday’s special elections in SD 22 and HOD 85.
With heavier than expected voter turnout in the 22nd and a ballot snafu that saw precincts running out of ballots during the day, it was 9:00 p.m. before the race was called for Peake, even as Lynchburg continued hand-counting ballots. The tally at 9:00 was 54%-37%. Peake fills the seat vacated by now-Congressman Tom Garrett. This seat was for control of the senate so today’s win keeps it in Republican control 21-19.
In the 85th, Rocky Holcomb pulled ahead 53%-47% over his Democratic opponent to fill the Virginia Beach seat vacated in November by now-Congressman Scott Taylor. He will join the Republican-controlled House of Delegates.
With the Virginia General Assembly set to begin tomorrow, it will be a quick turnaround for these gentlemen as they pack their vehicles and drive to the capital city. The short session, held in odd-numbered years, will convene on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, and continue for 45 days.
Statement from the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee on Mark Peake’s win:
Today, the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee (RLCC) congratulates Mark Peake on his special election victory in Virginia’s 22nd state Senate district. The RLCC also congratulates Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment and Caucus Chair Ryan McDougle on their hard work to maintain a Republican Senate Majority in a state Democrats carried in the last three presidential elections. Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) President Matt Walter issued the following statement on behalf of the RLCC:
“With Mark Peake’s election today, Virginians voted to maintain balance in Richmond and rebuke Governor McAuliffe’s liberal agenda in the Commonwealth. I am thrilled to congratulate him on this well-deserved victory. With Republicans leading the way, Virginians will continue to have the legislature on their side to fight for low taxes, free-market solutions and constitutional liberties. I applaud Majority Leader Norment and Chairman McDougle for their continued efforts to strengthen their Republican majority.”
Statement from Senate Republicans
Republicans retained their majority in the Senate of Virginia tonight, as Republican nominee Mark J. Peake won a special election in the 22nd Senatorial District.
“Mark Peake ran an outstanding campaign,” noted Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (R-James City). “He has worked tirelessly for months, building strong support and taking his positive message directly to the voters.
“Mark is already well-known and respected by the members of our caucus. He will hit the ground running in the Senate, and will be an effective legislator from day one. I know that every Republican senator is looking forward to serving with Mark and grateful for all the hard work he and his campaign put into winning this race.”
The 22nd District includes Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Goochland, and Prince Edward Counties, and portions of the City of Lynchburg and Louisa County.
Statement from House Leadership Welcoming Rocky Holcomb
Members of the House of Delegates Republican Leadership team congratulated Rocky Holcomb on his election to the Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday. Holcomb will represent Virginia’s 85th House of Delegates District, which was vacated by Scott Taylor’s election to the United States House of Representatives.
“Congratulations to Rocky Holcomb on his election to the House of Delegates. I look forward to working with him to promote job growth, greater opportunity and improve education for the people of Virginia,” said Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford). “I know that Rocky will ably represent his constituents in the House and be a strong voice for a more efficient, more effective government.”
House Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) said, “Rocky Holcomb’s background as a veteran and sheriff’s deputy will serve him well in the House. I was fortunate to spend time campaigning with Rocky by going door to door in the 85th District. I’m thrilled that Rocky will devote his enormous talents towards public service and I look forward to working with Rocky Holcomb to deliver on policies that create jobs, make education more affordable and make Virginia a better place to live and raise a family.”
“The voters of the 85th House of Delegates District sent a message today that they want state government to focus on core priorities of fostering job creation, improving transportation and improving access to education for all Virginians,” said House Republican Caucus Chairman Tim Hugo (R-Fairfax). “Congratulations to Delegate-elect Rocky Holcomb and his entire campaign team on a hard-fought victory. This was a quick election during a busy holiday season and this victory is due to the hard work of countless volunteers who gave their time and effort over the last six weeks.”
“Rocky Holcomb’s victory today shows that in a competitive district, voters are eager for common sense, conservative policies,” said House Majority Whip Jackson Miller (R-Manassas). “Rocky’s election is proof that Republicans across Virginia are well positioned heading into the 2017 election cycle. Virginians are eager for the results-oriented leadership style that Republicans offer in the House of Delegates.”
Speaker Howell added, “I want to thank Cheryl Turpin for her participation in the democratic process. I also want to recognize the selfless and dedicated election workers and volunteers who made sure that today’s election ran smoothly, despite the weather and other obstacles. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.”
