Virginia Dems Chair Calls For Removal Of Pro-Trump Conspiracy Theorist Serving On The Redistricting Commission

DPVA Chair Calls For Removal Of Pro-Trump Conspiracy Theorist Serving On The Redistricting Commission

Richmond, VA — Ahead of the Virginia redistricting commission’s first meeting today, DPVA Chair Susan Swecker released the following statement calling for the removal of Jose Feliciano Jr., a pro-Trump conspiracy theorist nominated by Republican leaders to serve as a commissioner:

“Jose Feliciano’s comments are disqualifying and he should be immediately removed from the redistricting commission. The commission’s work is central to our democracy, and someone who spreads demonstrable lies about the presidential election should have no role on it. The sexist and racist attacks he launched are disgusting, and it’s a shame that the Republican leaders who decided he was fit to serve on this body have yet to condemn those comments. 

It’s clear that Feliciano won’t adhere to the commission’s goal of representing the interests of the diverse communities in our Commonwealth. His presence on this body threatens to undermine its crucial work for Virginia, and the commissioners should take immediate steps to remove him.”

Last week, reporting revealed that Feliciano has a history of making hateful comments, including using vulgar language to demean women, questioning America’s history of slavery, and spreading the false conspiracy theory that the 2020 presidential election was “rigged.”