Henrico delegate drops out of Democratic nomination race in 4th District, endorses perceived frontrunner

PETERSBURG — Del. Lamont Bagby, considered one of the frontrunners for the Democratic nomination in the 4th Congressional District's special election, dropped out of the race Thursday and threw his support behind the other frontrunner for the nod.

Bagby, who was the third person Monday to announce his candidacy, said in a statement released by his campaign that he was stepping aside so that the party can rally behind Jennifer McClellan, a Petersburg native and Richmond state senator.

"I believe it’s in the best interests of the voters of this district to step aside and ensure we have the right representation in Congress," Bagby said in his statement. "Just as I am clear-eyed in my decision to step aside, I also firmly believe that there is only one candidate in this race fit to replace my late mentor, Donald McEachin. That person is Senator Jennifer McClellan."

McEachin, whom McClellan succeeded as state senator when he was elected to Congress in 2016, died Nov. 28 of complications from colorectal cancer. He was 61.

Bagby's endorsement is the latest in a robust series of them for McClellan, who also includes U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, former House of Delegates Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn and seven locally elected officials within the 4th District. Among the locals endorsing her are Hopewell Vice Mayor Johnny Partin Jr. and Hopewell City Councilor Jasmine Gore.

"Jennifer has long been a fighter for Virginians and has the commitment, passion, and record to continue delivering for Rep. McEachin’s constituents. Jennifer knows how important it is to reach across the aisle — working with anyone who shares the common goal of creating a brighter, safer future for all Virginians, and has been a vital partner in the Virginia Senate helping me fight for progressive change in communities all across our commonwealth," Bagby said. "I am proud to support Jennifer as the leader our commonwealth needs in this moment, and will be casting my ballot for her on Tuesday. I encourage all of my supporters to join me in fighting for the vision we share for safety, prosperity and equality for all."

Bagby, a Henrico County delegate who chairs the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, said he knows he is "needed" in those two positions, so he plans to continue fulfilling those needs.

State Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Chesterfield, entered the Democratic nomination fight the same day as McClellan.

Two other candidates are seeking the party nomination — former Petersburg city attorney Joe Preston and Hopewell businessman Tavorise Marks.

The Democrats will hold their firehouse primary Tuesday at eight locations across the 4th District, including Tabernacle Baptist Church on Halifax Street in Petersburg.

The special election to fill McEachin's seat will be Feb. 21, 2023. Early voting for that election will begin Jan. 6.

Republicans will choose their nominee for the election Saturday afternoon in Colonial Heights.

More:GOP canvasses Saturday in Colonial Heights for 4th District nominee; Democrats add primary locations

More:Retiring Petersburg councilor opts out of race for 4th District seat

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: Henrico delegate pulls name off 4th District Democratic ballot