The Democratic Party of Virginia released the following statement from spokeswoman Morgan Finkelstein on today’s Channel 8 debate between Jeremy McPike and Republican Hal Parrish:

"Jeremy McPike clearly won today’s debate as he shared ideas for easing traffic, expanding Medicaid, and implementing common sense gun laws. As a volunteer firefighter and EMT, Jeremy knows what service to his community means – it means talking with voters. The silence from Republican Hal Parrish is deafening. He has no response for why he refuses to release his NRA questionnaire, why he will block Medicaid expansion, or why he's continued the Republican attack on women and their health. Parrish knows he is lying about his record and transportation and will not be straight with voters."

Republican Hal Parrish declined this and all debates from non-partisan media organizations.