Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial primary election, 2017

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Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial election

Filing deadline: March 30, 2017

Primary date: June 13, 2017

General election date: November 7, 2017

Winner: Justin Fairfax (D)

Incumbent prior to election: Ralph Northam (D)

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Virginia held an election for lieutenant governor on November 7, 2017. The primary election was held on June 13, 2017. The winner of this race was Justin Fairfax (D). Click here to view vote totals for this election.

HIGHLIGHTS

Incumbent Ralph Northam (D) ran for governor in 2017, leaving the lieutenant governor election an open race.

Democrat Justin Fairfax defeated Susan Platt and Gene Rossi in the primary election.

Republican Jill Holtzman Vogel defeated Glenn Davis and Bryce Reeves in the primary election.

See also: Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2017

Virginia held an election for lieutenant governor on November 7, 2017. Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam (D) was running for governor, leaving the lieutenant governor election an open race.

The general election took place on November 7, 2017. A primary election was held on June 13, 2017. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in the primary election was March 30, 2017.

Justin Fairfax (D) defeated Jill Holtzman Vogel (R) in the election for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

Virginia Lieutenant Gubernatorial Election, 2017
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Justin Fairfax	52.77%	1,368,261
	Republican	Jill Holtzman Vogel	47.23%	1,224,519
Total Votes				2,592,780
Source: Virginia Department of Elections

Justin Fairfax defeated Susan Platt and Gene Rossi in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

Virginia Democratic Lieutenant Gubernatorial Primary, 2017
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Justin Fairfax	49.13%	252,400
Susan Platt	39.19%	201,316
Gene Rossi	11.69%	60,041
Total Votes		513,757
Source: The New York Times

Jill Holtzman Vogel defeated Bryce Reeves and Glenn Davis in the Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

Virginia Republican Lieutenant Gubernatorial Primary, 2017
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Jill Holtzman Vogel	42.73%	151,998
Bryce Reeves	39.98%	142,218
Glenn Davis	17.29%	61,517
Total Votes		355,733
Source: The New York Times

Democratic primary

The winner of the Democratic primary was Justin Fairfax.

Primary issues

Gene Rossi

The following issues were found on Rossi's campaign website. For a full list of Rossi's positions, click here.

“	Opioids From 2001-16 as an Assistant United States Attorney in Alexandria​, Gene led​ Operation Cotton Candy​--the largest federal​ investigation​ ever to address the opioid epidemic. This Operation helped secure over 200​ convictions of ​unscrupulous pain doctors, pharmacists, health professionals, and drug dealers. Gene's most prominent conviction involved his Alexandria trials against Dr. William Hurwitz​, who ran a nationally renowned pill mill in McLean, Virginia and who once issued a prescription for 1,200 pain pills per day! Hollywood documentary "Dr. Feelgood" chronicles Operation Cotton Candy and his trials. Gene knows that​ we cannot arrest our way out of this epidemic. Addiction is a disease. And mass incarceration is not the cure. We must have a balanced three-prong approach to this epidemic that focuses on prevention, enforcement, and most important, recovery. He’ll build ​​on the successful steps of Governor McAuliffe, Lt. Governor Northam, and Attorney General Herring to tackle this public health emergency--and bring innovative new solutions incorporating all three components. Health care Gene knows ​President Obama’s ​ACA was a ​signature achievement.​ ​Not only does ​the ACA​ prevent insurance companies from discriminating against pre-existing conditions, help women get preventive care, allow adult children to remain on their parents' health insurance until 26, it also helps reduce free-riders in the health care system that drive up costs for all of us.​ Think about it: Gene's daughter turned 26 last March. If Trump/Ryan get their way, their replacement plan could jeopardize her ability to obtain adequate insurance. Health care is highly personal for Gene—and he knows it’s also personal for thousands of Virginians facing their own health crises.​ That’s why Gene will join with Gov. McAuliffe and ​Sens. Warner and Kaine to resist any attempts by ​President ​Trump to undermine the ACA.​ He ​will work with Attorney General Herring on each and every ​legal ​action against the Trump Administration, and use his experience working in legislatures to make Republicans feel the pain they’re inflicting on Virginians with their partisan agenda. He will support progressive candidates who run on supporting the ACA, including finally expanding Medicaid to help ​those forgotten ​400,000 Virginians get coverage. Minimum wage Gene believes ​that many ​Virginians deserve a​ much needed​ pay raise.​ ​That’s why he supports raising ​the state's ​minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2023. As someone who worked in a small family lumber business for many years, ​Gene knows that ​an increase in the minimum wage​ will help lift Virginia families out of poverty; and that research shows that raising the minimum wage ​benefits​ the​ economy by putting more money in consumers’ pockets.​ While limiting its impact on Virginia’s smallest employers, a minimum wage increase can be structured in a sensible way that creates a more stable workforce and does not cost jobs.​ Gene believes that a decent living wage gives dignity and honor to many hardworking Virginians who are often ignored and forgotten.	”
—Gene Rossi

Justin Fairfax

The following issues were found on Fairfax's campaign website. For a full list of Fairfax's positions, click here.

“	What kinds of steps does Justin believe will help create more economic security and opportunity for Virginians? Grow Small Businesses. 97% of all businesses in Virginia are small businesses. Along with his work as an attorney, Justin also works with his wife running her dental practice, and has a firsthand understanding of the challenges of running a small business. As Lieutenant Governor, he’ll work to ensure small business have what they need to succeed. Increase the Minimum Wage. Justin believes that Virginia workers deserve the right to earn a livable wage in order to support and create economic security for their families, and he’ll fight to raise the minimum wage to ensure they can. Expand Workforce Training and Development. There are 175,000 “middle-skill” jobs – jobs that require more than a high school diploma, but less than a 4-year college degree – currently going unfilled in Virginia. Justin would support expanding programs that offer the training to give Virginians who are out of work the necessary credentials to fill these “middle-skills” jobs. What are some of Justin’s areas of focus for improving our education system? Restructure and Lower Student Loan Debt. Justin is passionate about implementing a state-based loan restructuring program to reduce the crushing burden of student loan debt on Virginia’s students and families so that graduates can purchase homes, start businesses, and invest in their future sooner in life. Expand Access to Early Childhood Education. Access to a pre-kindergarten education is not a guarantee for all Virginians. Justin believes that each child across the Commonwealth deserves a high-quality early childhood education, regardless of socioeconomic status or where they live. Reform SOLs (Standards of Learning). Justin supports continued efforts to reform SOLs, like the recent steps to eliminate tests and expedite retakes, and efforts to improve high school curricula, like the redesign model that matches curricula to the student’s career outlook. What can Virginia do to create additional access to quality and affordable healthcare? Close the Coverage Gap. Currently in Virginia, there are 400,000 people who could receive healthcare coverage under Medicaid expansion. In addition to providing healthcare coverage, the expansion would create an estimated 30,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. Support Mental Health Reforms. Justin wants to work with legislators and stakeholders to find solutions that eliminate gaps in mental health coverage, decrease wait times, and expand crisis intervention training and emergency services. Fight the Heroin and Prescription Opioid Epidemic. As a former federal prosecutor, Justin believes that addiction is a healthcare issue as much as it is a law enforcement issue. There are too many Virginia families being destroyed through the effects of heroin, prescription opioids, and other illicit drugs, and the right approach must include increased access to treatment.	”
—Justin Fairfax

Susan Platt

The following issues were found on Platt's campaign website. For a full list of Platt's positions, click here.

“	Jobs & economy Recognize that income inequality has for far too long impacted our society and promote progressive Democratic values in Virginia like supporting labor unions and raising the minimum wage to $15/hour Create new jobs by investing in clean energy technologies and through tourism by promoting Virginia as a welcoming destination for everyone Encourage each locality to find its own unique success story in order to create new jobs and strengthen local businesses Reject Donald Trump’s plan to cut the federal workforce which will hurt the economy and cause jobs to be lost in Northern Virginia Make Virginians employable by reducing the cost of secondary education and supporting career and technical education in Virginia Energy & environment Conserve Virginia’s lands and waters by implementing bans on offshore drilling, mountaintop mining, and fracking, as well as continuing the moratorium on uranium mining Protect Virginia’s natural beauty by allocating resources to continue cleaning the Bay, to diversify energy, and to mandate benchmarks for clean energy use Capitalize on increasingly affordable clean energy opportunities to create hi-tech 21st-century jobs and refuse to be beholden to the Dominion Power and Appalachian Power monopolies by rejecting their money and their Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipelines Education Modernize our public schools and better prepare our children to compete in a 21st century economy by supporting prior use tax credit legislation such as that introduced by Rep. McEachin, as well as revise the Standards of Learning to reduce reliance on standardized testing Provide schools with the resources they need to fully fund universal Pre-K education and give raises to our hardworking teachers Help end the school-to-prison pipeline by lowering police referral rates for disciplinary actions and keeping students in school with shorter suspensions	”
—Susan Platt

Endorsements

Gene Rossi

• Italian American Democratic Leadership Council

Justin Fairfax

• People For the American Way
• Rep. Donald McEachin
• Rep. Gerry Connolly
• Democracy for America

Susan Platt

• Former Attorney General of Virginia Mary Sue Terry
• EMILY's List
• Khizr Khan

Republican primary

The winner of the Republican primary was state Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel.

Primary issues

Glenn Davis

The following issues were found on Davis' campaign website. For a full list of Davis' positions, click here.

“	#1 for jobs Virginia used be be #1 in the nation for business and job growth. Now Virginia is #13 and has the 30th worst tax policies in the nation. Glenn is the only entrepreneur in the race and the only one with the history and experience to eliminate the tax and regulatory burdens that are holding back economic opportunities for Virginians. Stop Medicaid expansion Medicaid has been expanding in Virginia for over a decade. From 2006 to 2016 Medicaid has grown from 875,000 participants and a cost of $4.7 billion to over 1.4 million participants and a cost of over $8.8 billion. Glenn is the only candidate in the race that has voted against expanding Medicaid and also worked on reforms to lower the burden placed on the taxpayers. Expand school choice Glenn is the only candidate in the race that has helped start a charter school, sits on the board of a local charter school, and has created legislation to open up school choice in Virginia. Competition is what drives innovation and service quality, and it should be allowed in our education system.	”
—Glenn Davis

Jill Holtzman Vogel

The following issues were found on Vogel's campaign website. For a full list of Vogel's positions, click here.

“	Grow the economy By reducing regulations and the tax burden, Jill is fighting to restore economic growth and make Virginia #1 for business. As a state senator, Jill Vogel has taken the lead in introducing legislation to begin addressing some of our economic challenges while looking forward to future opportunities for tax reform, regulatory relief, transportation improvements, and workforce development. Restoring trust in government Drawing from her experience as an ethics lawyer, Jill has fought to increase transparency and reform government. She introduced legislation that strengthens ethical standards and closes loopholes by banning all gifts to lawmakers from special interests and prohibiting candidates from using campaign funds on personal expenditures, which is – shockingly – legal under current law. Defend the Constitution As an ethics attorney, Jill was on the front lines against the Obama Administration’s targeting of Tea Party and other conservative groups in their fight against the IRS. As a state senator, she introduced and successfully passed a law prohibiting the individual Obamacare mandate to purchase health insurance. She also introduced the “Repeal Amendment” bill allowing states to repeal any unwanted federal law or regulation.	”
—Jill Holtzman Vogel

Bryce Reeves

The following issues were found on Reeves' campaign website. For a full list of Reeves' positions, click here.

“	Service above self Bryce proudly served our nation as an U.S. Army Ranger. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Bryce returned home and continued his dedicated public service as a narcotics and vice detective. Now, as a leader in his church, a coach and mentor to our youth, and current State Senator, he is a trusted leader who always puts service above self while providing strong leadership within his community. Bryce is now running for Lt. Governor to protect and serve even more people. Preserving our rights An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Bryce shares our values and will always defend our 2nd Amendment rights. He opposes new gun control measures that infringe on the rights of hunters and law abiding gun owners. Last year, he stood strong against the liberal politicians in Washington, DC and Richmond when they tried to strip away the rights of over 421,000 law abiding concealed carry permit holders. Protecting our families As a husband, father and mentor to youth, Bryce has always made protecting and defending families a top priority. He believes family and faith are the foundation of every community. He has fought to protect our religious liberties and the rights of the unborn. He’s also focused on making childcare facilities safer for our children, and pushed for quality educational opportunities at a price that families and taxpayers can afford.	”
—Bryce Reeves

Appointment of Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland

In the final week before the primary election, debate arose over the 2013 confirmation of Judge Tracy Thorne-Begland to the Richmond General District Court. Jill Holtzman Vogel was one of eight Republican state senators who had voted in favor of Thorne-Begland's confirmation, while Bryce Reeves, along with 11 of his Republican colleagues, left the chamber before voting occurred. Virginia State Senate tradition calls for senators opposed to judicial appointments to leave before a vote rather than vote against the nominee. Glenn Davis had not yet been elected to the Virginia House of Delegates at the time of the vote. Critics of the confirmation of Thorne-Begland, who was the first openly gay judge in Virginia, cited concerns over his stance on the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and state law prohibiting same-sex marriage. A mailer sent out by Reeves' campaign levied criticism against Vogel for the 2013 vote as well as her votes on bills related to LGBT issues, firearms regulation, and abortion policy, including her vote in favor of a 2017 measure intended to curtail discrimination against LGBT individuals seeking housing or employment by the state government. Vogel had previously stated her opposition to then-President Barack Obama's transgender bathroom access policy

Endorsements

Glenn Davis

• House of Delegates Majority Leader Kirk Cox
• Former Rep. Thomas M. Davis

Jill Holtzman Vogel

• Rep. Barbara Comstock
• Rep. Bob Goodlatte
• Former Rep. Frank Wolf
• Former Attorney General of Virginia Jerry Kilgore

Bryce Reeves

• Rep. Scott Taylor
• Rep. Thomas Garrett
• Former Attorney General Ed Meese

Noteworthy events

Candidate forum

On May 23, 2017, two forums were held at George Mason University. The first featured Republican candidates Glenn Davis, Jill Holtzman Vogel, and Bryce Reeves. They were followed by Democratic candidates Justin Fairfax, Susan Platt, and Gene Rossi. InsideNoVa characterized all six candidates as having "largely espoused their party's positions" during the forum. The publication also noted the issues each candidate focused on, identifying Reeves as focusing on legislative leadership and decreased regulation, Davis as opposed to further Medicaid expansion, and Vogel emphasizing the need for leadership and decreased firearms regulation. Among Democrats, Fairfax stressed the need for measures to facilitate repayment of student loans, while Platt advocated for the creation of a Virginia Children's Advocate office and Rossi argued that the state should focus on opioid addiction.

Reeves-Vogel lawsuit

In September and October 2016, a series of emails signed "Martha McDaniel" were circulated among members of the Virginia Republican Party and among supporters of Bryce Reeves' lieutenant gubernatorial campaign. The emails alleged that Reeves was involved in an extramarital affair with a campaign staffer. Reeves filed charges against the anonymous sender of the emails in Stafford County Circuit Court on October 3, 2016. The complaint included a copy of one such message, sent on September 30, 2016, to former Virginia Tea Party Patriots Federation chairman and Reeves supporter Travis Witt. To see a copy of the lawsuit and sample email message, click here.

On January 1, 2017, the Washington Post published a story alleging that Reeves had produced Internet records that linked the account which had sent the emails to the cellphone of Alex Vogel, the husband of Jill Holtzman Vogel. The records, which were obtained by Reeves following a subpoena, also tied the messages to two separate IP addresses - that of the Vogel family residence and of the neighboring home, which shared its Internet services with the Vogels on a non-password-protected network. In a statement, the Vogels alluded to the possibility that they had been framed or their devices had been hacked:

“	Jill and Alex Vogel have not sent, have not authorized, have not approved, and were not aware of any anonymous communications concerning either of her competitors for the Republican nomination...They would never condone such tactics, nor would they permit a campaign employee or volunteer to do so on behalf of our campaign. . . . Regrettably, in this day and age, there are many ways a person can send an anonymous email and make it appear to have originated from another sender.	”
—Vogel campaign manager Pat Trueman

In response to Trueman's statement, Reeves' campaign manager Samantha Azzarelli proposed that the Vogels agree to send their devices to a third party forensic inspector.

In a January 13, 2017, statement on Bearing Drift, Vogel alleged that she had been told by an unnamed state senator that Reeves had planned to present false evidence accusing her of disseminating the email messages if she did not drop out of the lieutenant gubernatorial election by January 1, 2017, a claim which was denied by Azzarelli. Vogel's full remarks can be found here.

On February 1, 2017, Reeves' attorney sent a formal letter to Vogel asking that she retain relevant electronic records and again requesting that she submit her electronic devices to a third-party forensic investigation. On February 21, 2017, Reeves issued subpoena requests against the family sharing a wireless Internet connection with the Vogels as well as two activists who he alleged had knowledge of the falsified emails. Reeves' subpoena request can be viewed here. Reeves followed this request with a similar motion requesting permission to depose the Vogels themselves, which was issued on March 27, 2017. That request can be viewed here. In response, the Vogels filed a motion to dismiss the subpoenas, leading to a hearing on June 9, 2017. At that hearing, Judge Charles E. Poston denied Reeves' subpoena requests against the Vogels as well as the earlier requests targeting the Vogels' neighbors and the two activists, rejecting Reeves' legal team's argument that the subpoenas were necessary in order to identify who should be named as the defendant in the case. In his decision, Judge Poston cited the potential invasion of privacy that could occur as a result of the subpoena process.

Campaign data

Polls

Republican Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial candidates, 2017
Poll	Glenn Davis	Jill Vogel	Bryce Reeves	Someone else	Undecided	Margin of error	Sample size
Christopher Newport University March 16-26, 2017	13%	17%	10%	3%	57%	+/-5.7	349
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Democratic Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial candidates, 2017
Poll	Justin Fairfax	Gene Rossi	Susan Platt	Someone else	Undecided	Margin of error	Sample size
Christopher Newport University March 16-26, 2017	11%	6%	20%	3%	60%	+/-5.4	391
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Campaign media

Note: If a candidate is not listed below, Ballotpedia staff were unable to locate any campaign media for that candidate. Do you know of any? Tell us!

Gene Rossi (D)
Justin Fairfax (D)
Susan Platt (D)
Glenn Davis (R)
Jill Holtzman Vogel (R)
Bryce Reeves (R)

Recent news

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Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial primary election, 2017 - Google News

See also

Virginia government:

• Virginia state executive offices
• Virginia State Legislature
• Virginia courts

Elections:

• State executive official elections, 2017
• State executive official elections, 2016
• State executive official elections, 2015

Ballotpedia exclusives:

• State executives compensation
• State of the state addresses
• Trifecta control of state government

External links

Suggest a link

• Lieutenant Governor of Virginia official website