2017 Democratic Nominee Donte Tanner Hands Baton to Dan Helmer for 2019 Race Against Del. Tim Hugo (R-HD40)

I’m sorry to see that 2017 Democratic nominee Donte Tanner has decided not to run again in 2019, as he came very close to defeating the odious Del. Tim Hugo (R-HD40) last November.  But given Tanner’s decision, I’m glad to see Dan Helmer – who ran for House of Representatives from VA-10 this past spring, raising over $1.1 million – step up to the plate.  Assuming Helmer is the Democratic nominee in HD40 next year – and as of the moment, I haven’t heard of other Democrats tossing their hats in the ring, but we’ll see – I sincerely hope he kicks Hugo’s butt. (note: for some evidence why Hugo badly needs to be defeated, see “Tim Hugo Sold Us Down the River”: Northern VA GOP Delegate Fights to Keep His Constituents Stuck in Traffic, Virginia House Republicans block Metro tax hikes, which means a bigger drain on funds for roads, VA Dems Chair: “Whenever you’re stuck in traffic, don’t get mad at the cars in front of you. Get mad at Tim Hugo.”, and Godawful Del. Tim Hugo (R) Bill Would Screw Arlington, Lavish Big $$$ on Super-Rich People, Weaken Local Autonomy vs State AND Set a Horrible Precedent – VETO!)

Also note, in the press release below, that Donte Tanner has endorsed Helmer, as have four Democratic State Senators, ten Democratic Delegates and Fairfax County Board Chair Sharon Bulova. In sum, it looks like Helmer’s off to a strong start. Watch out Tim Hugo, your days in the Virginia House of Delegates appear to be numbered!

For Immediate Release:

August 2, 2018

Fairfax, VA – Today, businessman, combat veteran, Rhodes Scholar, and Democrat Dan Helmer announced his candidacy for Virginia’s 40^th House of Delegates District against Republican incumbent Tim Hugo.  “Over the past year, I’ve had the honor to meet with people all over Virginia’s 40^th District.  They are ready to finally have a representative in Richmond who will work to relieve congestion in Northern Virginia and stand up to keep our schools safe from gun violence,” declared Helmer.

Fifteen Democratic elected officials in Northern Virginia announced their endorsement of Helmer’s candidacy.  In addition, Helmer’s campaign has been endorsed by Donte Tanner, who ran in 2017 against Tim Hugo.  “I won’t be able to run this cycle due to family considerations, but I’m thrilled our district has a leader like Dan Helmer who can go toe-to-toe with Tim Hugo and ensure a Democratic majority in the State Assembly.  It’s time we had a representative in Richmond who puts us first, and I can’t wait to knock on doors and make phone calls to make the case that Dan will be that kind of leader,” said Tanner.

State Senator Dave Marsden, whose 37^th state senate district overlaps the 40^th said, “Dan Helmer has proven to be an outstanding leader and dedicated public servant with a long history of service to our Commonwealth and Country.  The 40^th District needs transportation solutions and out-of-the-box thinking, and Dan will provide it.”

Delegate John Bell added, “It is my honor to strongly endorse Dan Helmer’s candidacy for the House of Delegates.  Dan is a combat proven leader who will bring great energy, common sense, and work ethic to the General Assembly.  We need Dan’s leadership.”

Currently, Republicans hold a 51-49 majority in the House of Delegates, meaning that the election in the 40^thDistrict, which encompasses southwestern Fairfax County and northern Prince William County, could determine partisan control of the House of Delegates in advance of redistricting in 2021.  Helmer supports a non-partisan redistricting process to replace the existing process of partisan gerrymandering.