Thanks to Susan Swecker for her many years of hard work, dedication and service to Virginia, and specifically to the Democratic Party of Virginia, which she’s served as Chair since March 2015! See below for her announcement, which has been long expected (possible/rumored candidates for chair include: Tonya James, Alexsis Rodgers, David Mills, Amanda Pohl and Lamont Bagby, probably others as well…maybe Lashrecse Aird?). According to this press release, “The Democratic Party of Virginia Steering Committee will meet on February 20 to adopt rules of procedure for an election to be held on March 22, 2025.”
It’s amazing what ups and downs we’ve seen since 2015, with numerous victories (e.g., Ralph Northam’s landslide victory in November 2017, the election of Abigail Spanberger/Jennifer Wexton/Elaine Luria in 2018, Democrats regaining control of the House of Delegates in November 2019, Joe Biden winning a landslide victory in Virginia in November 2020, Kamala Harris winning Virginia by 6 points in November 2024), but also some really bad losses (Glenn Youngkin’s narrow win in 2021, along with Democrats losing control of the House of Delegates; Luria losing to Jen Kiggans in November 2022).
Of course, the Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia can only do so much, but it’s still an important position in terms of messaging, coordination, organization, etc. So let’s hope we get a strong, competent Chair to replace Susan Swecker, because we’re definitely going to need to be firing on all cylinders – and at all levels of the party – during these challenging, dangerous times.
DPVA Chairwoman Susan Swecker Announces Her Decision to Step Down
Today, the Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker announced she will be stepping down from her position pending the election of a new Chair. She has served as Chairwoman since March 2015. She released the following statement:
“This month marks my tenth anniversary as Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, a journey that has been both an honor and a privilege. After our strong victories in Virginia this past November, I believe the time is right to pass the torch to a new leader who can continue to build on our successes and further strengthen our party.
When I first ran for Chair in 2015, I made a commitment to create a sustainable infrastructure that would outlast any single election cycle. Over the past decade, we’ve achieved that vision—building a larger, more robust full-time staff, strengthening local committees, and establishing year-round programs focused on voter protection and training.
As I step down, I do so with pride and confidence, knowing that our party is in capable hands. The solid foundation we’ve laid will ensure Virginia remains a beacon of Democratic strength for generations to come.”
The Democratic Party of Virginia Steering Committee will meet on February 20 to adopt rules of procedure for an election to be held on March 22, 2025.
Watch the FULL VIDEO of her announcement here.
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