Ex-State Lawmaker Beats Incumbent Senator in VA Dem Primary.

Former State Lawmaker Defeats Incumbent in Virginia Primary Race

Former state lawmaker Lashrecse Aird emerged victorious on Tuesday, defeating incumbent Sen. Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) in a closely-watched Democrat state primary race in Virginia. One of the major campaign issues that dominated the race was abortion.

Morrissey, the only pro-life Democrat in the Virginia state Senate, represented District 16.

A former prosecutor turned defense attorney, Morrissey has had a controversial political career, having been disbarred twice.

The latest election season saw the redrawing of political maps, resulting in legislative candidates running for the first time in newly created districts.

Despite ongoing vote counting, Morrissey conceded to Aird in the primary race for the Virginia Senate’s 13th District late Tuesday.

It’s important to note that election results in Virginia are not finalized until they are certified by the State Board of Elections.

Aird previously represented the 63rd District in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2016 to 2022, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to the chamber.

Aird’s victory was aided by the endorsements of numerous legislators and members of the state’s congressional delegation. Additionally, she significantly outspent Morrissey, who lacked an official campaign manager.

Her campaign heavily focused on highlighting Morrissey’s stance on abortion.

Morrissey’s Response

Morrissey expressed disappointment but not surprise at his female Democrat colleagues in the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus who endorsed Aird, claiming they tried to make abortion the sole issue in the race.

“It is not. It’s about criminal justice reform, the environment, affordable housing, and economic growth in the 13th Senate District,” he stated.

He also pointed out that Aird’s position on abortion does not align with the district, citing her support for a bill that would have legalized abortion up to a day before delivery, as reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Morrissey, a Catholic, had indicated that he would keep an “open mind” regarding proposed legislation to further restrict abortion.

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Morrissey expressed his belief that the decision to have an abortion should be between a woman and her doctor. However, he also stated his view that abortion should be banned after a certain point.