RICHMOND, VA – Tonight, the SD-09 Nominating Committee voted unanimously to hold an unassembled caucus, commonly known as a firehouse primary, to determine its nominee for the upcoming special election to fill the unexpired term of Congresswoman-elect Jennifer McClellan, whose historic victory last night created a vacancy in the 9th State Senate District.

Under the Commonwealth’s election law, the nominating process for special elections not occurring concurrently with a November general election must be party-run. The election will be conducted in the 9th State Senate District, under the pre-2020 census redistricting lines. Per the Sen. Louise Lucas’ writ of election, each party must nominate their candidate by 5:00 PM on Febraury 27, 2023.

In order to operate the most open and fair nominating process possible, the SD-09 Nominating Committee voted to hold a firehouse primary on Sunday, February 26, 2023. Polls will be open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

“The selection of a firehouse primary will allow as many candidates and voters to participate in the democratic process as possible,” said Liam Watson, Press Secretary for the Democratic Party of Virginia. “The Democratic Party of Virginia and the SD-09 Nominating Committee are committed to working hand-in-glove to hold a smooth, transparent, and expedient process to select a nominee.”

To file, candidates must submit a $2,500 filing fee and signatures from 50 registered voters in the 9th State Senate District, along with a copy of the candidate’s Certificate of Candidate Qualification and Statement of Economic Interest, to the SD-09 Nominating Committee Democratic Committee by 7:00 PM on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Details regarding voting locations, full ballot access requirements, and additional procedural details will follow in the Call to Caucus, as determined by the SD-09 Nominating Committee.

The Democratic nominee chosen by the firehouse primary on Sunday, February 26, 2023 will advance to the special election to be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

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