Aird says she will stay in state Senate race, vows to fight for abortion rights in Virginia

PETERSBURG — Saying there "is no bigger fight" than the one to protect reproductive rights in Virginia, former Del. Lashrecse Aird took her name out of contention for the Democratic nomination to succeed the late Rep. Donald McEachin in Virginia's 4th District.

Instead, Aird said she will stay in the race for next year's Democratic nod in the newly drawn 13th state Senate District. In doing so, she vowed to fight any efforts to restrict abortion rights in Virginia, a movement that has garnered support in other states. Legislation has been suggested in the 2023 Virginia General Assembly for a total ban on abortion, and GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin has stated he backs banning the procedure after 15 weeks of pregnancy — both linchpins in what could be one of several showdowns in the Assembly between Republicans and Democrats next session.

While saying she was "humbled" for being asked to consider a run for McEachin's seat, and was "proud to previously have served many of the communities throughout the 4th District," Aird said the fight for reproductive rights supersedes running for Congress.

"Today, I am proud to reassure my supporters that I am committed to my run for Virginia Senate District 13," Aird said in an email to The Progress-Index.

Aird's bowout possibly reinforces the planned candidacy of state Sen. Jennifer McClellan of Richmond, who will announce her bid Tuesday at the state Capitol. Like Aird, McClellan has been among the most vocal pro-choice politicians in Virginia.

It also eases to an extent what could be a crowded field of Democrats seeking to replace McEachin, who died Nov. 28. Three candidates announced their intents to run Monday — former Petersburg city attorney Joe Preston, Hopewell businessman Tavorise Marks and Del, Lamont Bagby of Henrico County, the chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. McClellan will announce Tuesday morning, and even though he initially said he did not plan to run, there always is a chance that Morrissey could enter the arena.

Other potential Democratic candidates are Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Richmond commonwealth's attorney Colette McEachin (the congressman's widow) and retiring Petersburg city councilor Treska Wilson-Smith.

On the GOP side, only former candidate Leon Benjamin, who lost the last two elections to McEachin, has indicated he plans to seek the seat.

Candidates have until Dec. 23 to file their paperwork to run. The special election will be Feb. 21, 2023, and early voting will start Jan. 6.

More:Special 4th District election set for Feb. 21; parties have about two weeks to choose who runs

In her announcement, Aird said McEachin's passing "left a huge hole in the hearts of his family and constituents throughout the 4th Congressional District." Aird said the 4th deserves a representative that will care about their needs and strive to be a voice for them" as McEachin was in his three terms in Washington.

However, Aird — who has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood of Virginia — said she feels her place is to remain in the Senate race. She even took a shot in her announcement at Morrissey, who has said in the past that his faith overrides his party's platform on pro-choice.

"My opponent is an anti-choice Democrat in sheep’s clothing who has committed to voting in support of an abortion ban in Virginia," Aird said. "That is wholly unacceptable and dangerous. My attention is singularly focused on stopping him and we will — together."

Aird represented Petersburg in the House of Delegates from 2016 until she was defeated last year by Republican Kim Taylor of Dinwiddie County.

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on Twitter at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Former Petersburg delegate says she will stay in state Senate race