- Bearing Drift - https://bearingdrift.com -

Dick Black Announces Retirement from Virginia State Senate – Updated

In what came as a surprise on the second day of the 2019 New Year, State Senator Dick Black [1] announced on Facebook that he would retire at the end of the year [2] and not seek re-election in November.

Black, 74, has represented the 13th Senate District, made up of parts of Loudoun and Prince William counties, since 2012. Before that he served from 1998-2006 in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Here is the statement from his Facebook page [3]:

I have decided to retire at the end of my term. What started out as a fight to filter pornography on library computers turned into representing Loudoun and Prince William County for twenty years in Richmond.

I’m proud of what we accomplished over the years. With the help of hard-working citizens, we passed legislation to turn Rt. 28 into the freeway it is today, made Female Genital Mutilation illegal, required schools to have a Dyslexia specialist on staff, protected First Responders from prosecution and was the Chief Patron of the bill that required Parental Consent before a minor could get an abortion, just to name a few.

I appreciate all the friends I’ve made along the way. Thank you to everyone who fought along side me in these many battles. Our work will never be done but, for me, I am looking forward to the next chapter.

Now the speculation will begin on who will run for the open seat.

So far only one other Republican, Del. Dickie Bell [4] of Staunton, has announced that he will not run for re-election.

Updated: Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment (R-James City) released a statement on Dick Black’s retirement announcement:

“As a Marine combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam who holds a Purple Heart, as an Army JAG officer, and as a Delegate and a Senator, Colonel Dick Black has devoted his life to serving our nation and our commonwealth.

“His substantial record of legislative accomplishments is testimony to his deeply held principles and his diligent attention to the needs of the people of Loudoun and Prince William.  His Senate colleagues will greatly miss Dick’s genial manner, wry sense of humor, and unforgettable stories.

“Although Dick will be retiring from the Senate at the end of his current term, I know he will continue to find ways to serve his nation and Virginia.  On behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus, I thank Colonel Black for his service and wish Barbara and him many years of continued happiness together.”