New State Senator Leaves Open House of Delegates Seat

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Kirk Cox (R) announced a Special Election for the 86th House of Delegates District after it was vacated by Delegate Jennifer Boysko (D) who was recently elected to the Senate of Virginia.

Boysko sent a letter Thursday notifying the Speaker of her intent to resign upon taking the oath of office in the Senate. A Special Election to replace her will be held on Tuesday, February 19.

The 86th covers parts of Fairfax and Loudoun counties. The district voted for Republican Bob McDonnell for Governor in 2009, 51%-49%, but has trended blue since, going for Democrat Northam (68%) over Republican Gilespie (31%) in the 2017 gubernatorial race, and Democrat Clinton (63%) over Republican Trump (31%) in 2016.

“Delegate Jennifer Boysko has been a determined and hard-working member of the House of Delegates since her arrival to the chamber in 2016,” said Cox. “I congratulate Jennifer on her election to the State Senate and I know she will serve the people of Senate District 33 with the same energy and drive as she has served her constituents in the House of Delegates.”

Cox added, “The schedule outlined below mirrors the timeline as set for the Special Election which recently concluded in House District 24. I want to give both parties ample time to choose a nominee while ensuring the people of the 86th House District are represented in the House of Delegates as soon as possible.”

Planned Schedule for Special Election in House District 86

January 15: Speaker Cox formally issues Writ of Election

January 21: Filing deadline for political parties to nominate candidates, pursuant to § 24.2-510 of the Code of Virginia

February 19: Special Election