RICHMOND, VA – Today, in a rushed, five hour, one-location caucus, the VA GOP awarded their nomination to fill the late Congressman A. Donald McEachin’s seat to Leon Benjamin.

This is Benjamin’s third bid for the U.S. House in the fourth congressional district, losing in both 2020 and 2022 by more than 20%.

Benjamin has a long history of stoking anti-immigrant sentiment, supporting far-right extremist candidates across the country, and spreading election-denying conspiracy theories. After losing for a second time to Congressman McEachin on November 8, 2022, Benjamin refused to concede his race.

“The path to a stronger fourth district does not pass through Leon Benjamin’s mire of election denialism and xenophobia,” said DPVA spokesperson Liam Watson.

Democrats of the fourth congressional district will vote to elect their nominee in a Firehouse Primary on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. Polls will be open at eight locations across the fourth congressional district from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

The winner of Tuesday’s Democratic Firehouse Primary will face off against Leon Benjamin in a Special Election on Tuesday, February 21, 2022.

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