2009 Elections to the Virginia House of Delegates were held on November 3, 2009. Prior to the election, Republicans held 53 seats, Democrats held 43 seats, and Independents held 2 seats (both of whom caucus with the Republicans).
There were 2 seats previously held by Democrats that were vacant on election day: the 69th (Frank Hall resigned April 14, 2009) and the 80th (Ken Melvin resigned May 1, 2009). Eight incumbent Democrats were defeated, one incumbent Republican was defeated, and one open Republican seat was won by a Democrat.
The composition of the House of Delegates in 2010 was 59 Republicans, 2 Independents who caucus with the Republicans, and 39 Democrats.
Special elections 81st district (Virginia Beach, Chesapeake) – fifth-term Republican Terrie Suit, chair of the General Laws committee, resigned on October 12, 2008, to take a job as a lobbyist. A special election was set for January 6, 2009. Barry Knight, a hog farmer and member of the Virginia Beach Planning Commission, was selected as the Republican nominee in a firehouse primary on November 29, 2008. On December 4, the Democrats nominated John LaCombe, a 24-year-old payday lending activist. Knight won the special election by an 83–17 margin. 70th district (Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield Counties) – Dwight Clinton Jones, a Democrat in his eighth term, was elected mayor of Richmond on November 4, 2008. This special election was also scheduled for January 6, 2009. On December 6, 2008, the Democratic Party nominated Delores McQuinn, a member of Richmond City Council, for the seat. McQuinn was unopposed in the special election. 46th district (Alexandria, Fairfax County) – Brian Moran resigned his seat December 12, 2008 to concentrate on his campaign for governor. A special election was called for January 13, 2009. Both major parties held nominating caucuses on December 16, 2008. The Democratic nominee was Charniele Herring, an attorney from Alexandria. The Republicans nominated Joe Murray, an aide to U. S. Representative Joe Wilson of South Carolina. Herring won the election by 16 votes; the House, under Republican control, refused to seat her pending a recount requested by Murray. Herring was finally seated after a recount on January 26.
Results Retirements Ten House members announced they would not run for re-election: Albert C. Eisenberg (D-Arlington) on January 22 Frank D. Hargrove Sr. (R-Hanover) on January 26 Jeffrey M. Frederick (R-Woodbridge) on February 13. Kenneth R. Melvin (D-Portsmouth) on February 24 William H. Fralin Jr. (R-Roanoke) on February 28 Clarke N. Hogan (R-Halifax) on March 9. Former Minority Leader Franklin P. Hall (D-Richmond) on March 28. Hall announced his retirement effective April 14, 2009. Governor Kaine immediately announced Hall's appointment to the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, effective the same date Steve Shannon (D-Fairfax) is the Democratic nominee for attorney general. Kris Amundson (D-Fairfax) announced her retirement on June 24, 2009 Chris Saxman (R-Staunton) announced his retirement on July 17, 2009 In addition, Bob Hull (D-Fairfax) was defeated for renomination by Kaye Kory in the June 9 primary.
Overview
+↓59392RepublicanDemocratic
PartiesCandidatesSeatsPopular Vote20072009+/-StrengthVote%Change Republican5459 559.00%1,047,06956.76% Democratic4439 539.00%668,50236.24% Independent222.00%86,4544.69% Independent Greens000.00%11,9150.65% Constitution Party000.00%10,3390.56% Green000.00%9810.05% Libertarian000.00%5800.03% -Write-ins000.00%18,9061.02%Total1001000100.00%1,844,746100.00%-
By House of Delegates district Party abbreviations: D - Democratic, R - Republican, C - Constitution Party, I - Independent, IG - Independent Green, L - Libertarian