Del. Jimmie Massie (HOD-72) Will Not Seek Re-election

Facebook has certainly become the crossroads of political announcements recently, and Saturday was no exception. Republican Delegate Jimmie Massie (HOD-72) announced his decision not to run for reelection:

Representing my 72nd District constituents in the Virginia House of Delegates, for the past decade, has been the greatest honor of my professional life! I have always been immensely humbled by the trust and confidence my constituents have bestowed upon me to represent them in the oldest continually meeting legislature in the United States. Interacting with, helping, representing my constituents and all the persons I have met over the past 10 years from all walks of life has been the best part of the job.

After a tremendous amount of prayer, numerous consultations and deep thought I have decided not to seek re-election this year. This was a very tough decision!

I want to thank my constituents for their trust in me, my family for their sacrificial support of me, all the great Virginians I have met on the political and public policy trails, all the volunteers who have helped me, my wonderful colleagues in the House of Delegates (Republicans, Democrats and Independents) and the hardworking staff at the General Assembly. May God bless you all!

The news had barely begun making the rounds when a candidate announced his intention to seek the seat, again by Facebook. Attorney Edward Whitlock III, who serves as chairman of the Henrico County Republican Committee, wrote:

It was with great surprise that I learned today that Delegate Jimmie Massie (House District 72) will not be seeking re-election to the Virginia General Assembly. We will surely miss his conservative principles and his advocacy for school choice. Those who know me know that I have a passion to serve. After consultation with my wife and family, I have decided to seek the Republican nomination for this seat. The Republican nominee will be chosen by Primary on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. Those familiar with the process know that there is much work to be done between now and then. I humbly ask for your prayers and your support. I welcome a discussion of those issues that matter to us all. Eddie.

The primary will be held on June 13, 2017, to nominate a candidate.

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement on the retirement of Delegate Massie:

“I am grateful for Jimmie’s service to the Commonwealth in the House of Delegates. Throughout his time in office, Jimmie has been a leader in improving Virginia’s education system. As a successful businessman, Jimmie also understood the need for fiscal responsibility and demonstrated that while serving on the Appropriations Committee. I wish Jimmie and his family the very best as they begin a new chapter.”