From the Democratic Party of Virginia:
Senate and House Democrats Call On Governor Youngkin to Request Andrew Wheeler’s
Resignation After Nomination Rejected by Senate
Richmond, VA — Today, Senate Democrats called on Governor Youngkin to request Andrew Wheeler’s resignation after his nomination for Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources was rejected by the Senate on Tuesday. Democrats invoked Article V, Section 11 of the Virginia Constitution which states, “no person shall enter upon, or continue in, office after the General Assembly refuses to confirm,” to call for Wheeler’s immediate resignation. While there are several weeks remaining in the legislative session, the Senate position is clear.
“We’ve made it clear that Mr. Wheeler is not the right choice to serve in this essential role, and Article V, Section 11 of the Virginia Constitution specifically states that no person shall enter upon, or continue in, office after the General Assembly refuses to confirm,” said Senator Adam Ebbin, Chair of Senate Privileges and Elections Committee. “As a result, we hope that Governor Youngkin will make the right decision and request Mr. Wheeler’s resignation so that the Commonwealth can move forward with its business.”
“Andrew Wheeler has proven time and time again that his agenda runs directly counter to those priorities and the best interest of the communities we represent,” said Delegate Rip Sullivan. “As such, our colleagues in the Virginia Senate rejected Governor Youngkin’s nomination of Andrew Wheeler and the Governor must now do the right thing and ask Mr. Wheeler to step down.”
Senate Democrats voted unanimously on Tuesday to reject Wheeler’s appointment—dealing yet another huge blow to Governor Youngkin during his first month in office. Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist and Trump crony, received significant backlash from former employees in the wake of Governor Youngkin’s nomination.
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