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Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) and Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas (D) announced the date for the special election to replace Jen Kiggans in the state Senate. Kiggans was recently elected to Congress in the second congressional district, but she was elected for a four-year term from SD-07 in 2019.
The date of the special election will be Jan. 10, one day before the legislative session is set to begin.
Two candidates have declared their candidacy so far: Republican Kevin Adams and Democrat Aaron Rouse.
Rouse announced his candidacy for the 22nd State Senate District Special election alongside Rep. Elaine Luria (D), Senator Mamie Locke, Virginia Beach Councilman Guy Tower, Virginia Beach Councilwoman-elect Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, Virginia Beach Councilwoman-elect Jennifer Rouse, and other local leaders on Monday.
Rouse is a Virginia Beach city councilor. “I am running for the State Senate because not only do I understand the problems that Virginia Beach families are facing,” he said. “But I have a proven track record and the broad coalition to deliver real results for our community.”
Congresswoman Elaine Luria released the following statement regarding Rouse’s candidacy: “Aaron Rouse is precisely the leader we need in the Virginia Senate. While on City Council, Aaron ushered in a new generation of leadership and delivered results for the people of Virginia Beach. So much is on the ballot— from women’s reproductive rights to voting rights— and Aaron Rouse is the person I trust to lead Virginia into the future, not take us backwards.”
Adams announced his candidacy last week. “Growing up with a single mother on subsidies, I never thought I would be running for State Senate. Thanks to my education, my time in the military and perseverance, I have achieved the American Dream,” he said. “In the Senate, I will continue working to pass Governor Glenn Youngkin’s pro-veteran agenda, cut taxes, ease regulations, keep our communities safe, and make it easier for small business owners like me to get started and stay in business. I will also work tirelessly on behalf of those I am elected to represent.”
This will likely be a competitive race to finish out the last year on Kiggans’ term. Kiggans defeated Cheryl Turpin (D) by less than one percentage point in 2019.
The full writ of election from Governor Youngkin is available here.
The full writ of election from Senator Lucas is available here.
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