Two polarizing lawmakers ousted in Virginia primaries
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Morrissey and Chase. Photo: Senate of Virginia and Salwan Georges/Washington Post via Getty Images
Voters gave the boot to two of the Virginia General Assembly's most polarizing figures on Tuesday night.
What's happening: Democratic state Sen. Joe Morrissey and GOP state Sen. Amanda Chase, both of whom cultivated bombastic personas at the Capitol, lost primary challenges to candidates who pitched themselves as drama-free alternatives.
Why it matters: For Democrats, Morrissey's loss to former Del. Lachrecse Aird in Petersburg suggests abortion continues to motivate voters — something party leaders are counting on heading into November.
- Aird put the issue front and center in her campaign, frequently reminding voters not of Morrissey's many scandals, but of his past support for abortion restrictions as a self-described "pro-life Democrat."
On the GOP side, Chase's loss to former state Sen. Glen Sturtevant in Chesterfield signals the party's voters might be ready to move past Trump, who has been disastrous for Republicans' fortunes in Virginia.
- Chase called herself "Trump in heels," embraced baseless election-fraud claims and drew censure for calling Jan. 6 rioters "patriots."
- Sturtevant, meanwhile, campaigned as a "workhorse, not a show horse."
By the numbers: Aird's victory over Morrissey wasn't even close. She captured just under 70% of the vote.
- Sturtevant's victory over Chase was narrower, winning by just two points in a three-way race that also included party activist Tina Ramirez.
What they’re saying: Morrissey said his political career is over. “I’m moving on,” he told WTVR. “You’ve got to know when to look forward to that next chapter.”
Meanwhile…
Perhaps the biggest upset of the night came in Fairfax County, where Sen. Chap Petersen, a Democrat with a contrarian streak who partnered with Republicans to end mask mandates in schools, lost his reelection bid 54% to 46%.
- He was bested by Saddam Azlan Salim, a first-generation immigrant from Bangladesh who emphasized affordable housing.
In a battle between near-octogenarians drawn into the same district, Sen. Louise Lucas bested Sen. Lionell Spruill 53% to 47%.
Youngkin-backed delegate Tara Durant beat Matt Strickland, who had campaigned to "crush the establishment," in an open Senate district in Spotsylvania 57% to 43%.
In Charlottesville, Sen. Creigh Deeds beat back a progressive challenge from Del. Sally Hudson 51% to 49%.
Local lawyer Rae Cousins swamped City Councilwoman Ann Lambert in a new Northside-anchored House seat 63% to 30%.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to say that Tara Durant beat Matt Strickland in an open Senate district with an estimated 57% of the vote, not 55%.
This story is being updated as further details are revealed.
