7th Senate LDC Chooses Primary in Senator Wagner Re-Election

On Thursday, the 7th Senate Legislative District met to determine that a state run primary would be the method of nomination for the those looking to earn the Republican nomination for State Senate. Peggy Williams of Virginia Beach and Cole Trower Chairman of the Norfolk GOP, both voted for a primary.

The 7th Senate District includes part of the cities of Virginia Beach and Norfolk.

The incumbent is Republican State Senator Frank Wagner who serves as Chair of the important Commerce and Labor Committee. Wagner is a former hard hat Navy diver who ran a shipyard for many years.

Wagner was first elected to the Senate in a special election in December of 2000. His 2015 re-election campaign was one of the most followed in the Commonwealth when he defeated Democratic challenger and Cox Communications businessman Gary McCollum. Wagner’s win ensured Republicans had 21 votes in the Senate Chamber to control the agenda in Richmond.

It is speculated that Democrat Gary McCollum will run again. He is a strong fundraiser and would be a hard-working opponent. However, McCollum came under scrutiny for misrepresenting his military service record which caused his campaign troubles.

It is unclear at this time if Senator Wagner will have a Republican challenger. One potential candidate who was being recruited, Cheryl Kraft of Norfolk, does not live in the district, according to voter data.

The primary will be held in June.