State Sen. Frank Ruff is retiring at the end of his current term after being diagnosed with cancer. He just won reelection last month but will not take the oath for the new four-year term in January. He also announced that he is endorsing his former legislative aide to replace him.
“Having recently been diagnosed with cancer, and entering into an aggressive and ongoing treatment regimen, I have concluded I may not be able to devote 100% of my focus to doing the work needed in the General Assembly. Consequently, I believe now is the right time to retire,” Ruff said in a statement.
His colleagues released statements praising the work he has done during his decades serving in the General Assembly.
“Frank’s fellow senators also know him as one of the nicest, kindest, and most humble of public servants,” outgoing Senate Republican Leader Tommy Norment said in a statement Friday morning. “In a field where attention is frequently drawn to those who draw attention to themselves, Frank has distinguished himself for his diligence and quiet effectiveness.”
Ruff has served in the state Senate since 2000. He served three terms in the House of Delegates before that.
The Senate Republican Caucus’ new leader, Ryan McDougle, also released a statement. “Senator Frank Ruff has been a consummate statesman, meticulously and persistently working to deliver positive results for the people of his region and for Virginia,” McDougle said. “In the Senate, as well as on the Tobacco Commission, the Center for Rural Virginia, the MEI Commission, and GO Virginia, Frank Ruff consistently earned a reputation for hard work and integrity.”
A special election will have to take place to replace Ruff in SD-09. He ran unopposed in November. SD-09 is a strong Republican district, according to analysis from VPAP.
Ruff is endorsing his former legislative aid Tammy Mulchi to replace him in the Senate. “Tammy Mulchi served as my Legislative Aide for close to 14 years, the daughter of a tobacco farmer and a member of the Town Council in Clarksville, she understands the issues facing our communities and will not need any on-the-job training in Richmond. I am proud to give Tammy my full endorsement,” Ruff said in a statement.
Mulchi is currently on the town council in Clarksville. She also is a realtor and owns a residential construction business.
“After being asked by my family and friends and with many prayers, I have decided to announce my candidacy to fill Frank Ruff’s seat in the State Senate,” Mulchi said Friday. “I am the hardworking, principled conservative that will fight for our values in the State Senate just as Frank did. I will work to bring further economic development to the district, fight to lower taxes on hardworking Virginians, defend our Second Amendment rights, expand workforce training, give parents a voice in their children’s education, and protect the lives of the unborn.”
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has not yet announced when the special election will take place. The legislative session begins Jan. 10, and Democrats will have a 21-18 majority until Ruff’s replacement has been elected.
This is the second announcement this week by a Republican who will not take the oath for a term they were just elected to serve. Del. Les Adams announced his retirement on Monday to pursue a 22nd Judicial District appointment.