Former Virginia state Senator Glen Sturtevant emerged as the projected winner in a closely contested GOP primary for the District 12 seat in the Virginia state senate. On June 20, the Associated Press declared Sturtevant the victor in the race, defeating incumbent state Senator Amanda Chase and challenger Tina Ramirez.
Based on the latest set of numbers released by the state Department of Elections, Sturtevant secured 8,493 votes, representing 39.5 percent of the total ballots cast. Chase garnered 8,153 votes, accounting for 37.9 percent, while Ramirez received 4,874 votes, making up 22.6 percent of the vote share.
It’s important to note that provisional and mail-in ballots that were sent before the election but are yet to be delivered have not been fully counted. The results will only be considered final after the State Board of Elections certifies them. The 12th Senate District encompasses Chesterfield County and parts of Colonial Heights.
Sturtevant, an accomplished attorney, served as a Virginia Senator from 2015 until 2020 when he narrowly lost his reelection bid to Democrat Ghazala Hashmi. With his victory in the primary, Sturtevant now emerges as the likely Republican candidate for the general election on November 7. He is anticipated to face off against Democrat Natan McKenzie. Sturtevant’s campaign focused on preserving gun rights, opposing abortion, and enhancing support for law enforcement.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming election, Sturtevant emphasized the need for unity among Republicans to regain control of the State Senate, retain the House of Delegates, and work alongside Governor Glenn Youngkin to restore a common-sense approach in Virginia. Sturtevant refrained from making public comments immediately following his victory.
Incumbent state Senator Amanda Chase, who has served since 2016, faced challenges during her campaign due to a Senate censure in 2021. The condemnation resulted from her alleged “pattern of unacceptable conduct,” including remarks supporting Ashli Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran who U.S. Capitol Police fatally shot during the January 6 breach of the Capitol. Chase characterized Babbitt and others who died that day as patriots rather than rioters and looters.
Chase’s campaign primarily focused on securing the southern border, upholding parental rights, opposing abortion, expanding healthcare for veterans, and safeguarding Second Amendment rights. She also highlighted Sturtevant’s past liberal voting record on issues such as red flag laws. Despite the primary loss, Chase has not conceded and expressed determination to wait for the complete vote count, stating that only 340 votes separate her from victory.
During her campaign, Tina Ramirez, a single mother, and founder of a global human rights organization, echoed sentiments like Sturtevant and Chase. However, Ramirez has not released an official statement regarding the primary election results.
In a separate election, Democratic Senator Joe Morrissey, known for his centrist views, was defeated by former state legislator Lashrecse Aird, a vocal advocate for abortion rights. In her victory speech, Aird expressed gratitude to her supporters and emphasized the importance of standing up for the rights of children and families.
With all 140 seats in Virginia’s General Assembly up for election in the upcoming November general election, the results will have significant implications. Republicans hold the majority in the House of Delegates, while Democrats maintain slim control of the state Senate.