June 14, 2017 Press Releases and Announcements

DPVA Statement on the Virginia Republican Primary


by Christina Freundlich

Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker released the following statement tonight on the Republican gubernatorial primary:

"Tonight is a wakeup call for Republicans in Virginia and across the country -- that their party's values of hate and bigotry have become the norm of the Republican Party. The race to the right has clearly been a problem for Ed Gillespie, as he is heading into the general election without the majority of the Republican base at his side."

"Over the past few months, Virginians have seen Ed Gillespie willingly skip debates, county party functions and events where he would have faced his opponents. He was a weak candidate for the establishment to pick as their chosen one, and instead refused to take positions on issues like defunding Planned Parenthood, Trump's proposed federal budget or the Russian scandals plaguing the current administration.

"Just looking at tonight's numbers alone -- it's clear that Virginia Democrats won't stand for the Trump agenda and the rhetoric that has become all too familiar. Nearly more Virginians voted for Ralph Northam tonight than Ed Gillespie and Corey Stewart combined. So it's clear that no matter who emerges as our opponent, Democrats are ready for 2017."