CAPE CHARLES, Va. — Liz Richardson is set to become the Democratic nominee for Virginia’s 100th House of Delegates District following the withdrawal of her only challenger, Rocco DeBellis of Cape Charles, just before the filing deadline on Saturday.
DeBellis announced his decision to step aside ahead of the 5 p.m. cutoff, clearing the path for Richardson to claim the nomination uncontested.
DeBellis told the Virginia Pilot, “…when (Richardson) jumped in, she’s a local here, and I think she would definitely be a better candidate.”
A native of Northampton County, Richardson most recently led a national advocacy program for farmers facing financial hardship. She was laid off earlier this year after federal funding cuts impacted U.S. Department of Agriculture programs.
With DeBellis out, the party was able to avoid a Caucus vote scheduled for May 31st. Richardson will become the presumptive nominee pending certification by the Virginia Board of Elections, which will occur following submission of the required party documentation.
The 100th District spans Virginia’s Eastern Shore and parts of the Hampton Roads region.
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Yay Go Elizabeth!