Eric Phillips and Tammy Mulchi won their special elections Tuesday night, solidifying the final roster for the General Assembly’s legislative session that begins Wednesday.
Both seats were held by Republicans previously. Democrats could have expanded their majority in each chamber with wins in these races, but they were unable to flip the seats in these Republican-friendly districts.
Phillips will be the delegate in HD-48 for the full two-year term that begins Wednesday. He defeated the Democratic candidate Melody Cartwright.
“I am honored to be elected to serve as our next Delegate in the 48th District,” said Del.-elect Phillips. “Our campaign was fueled by hardworking Virginians who were focused on protecting our Southside and Southwest values. With Democrats in control of the General Assembly, Republicans need a fighter who will stand up for our way of life and push forward Governor Youngkin’s conservative agenda. I look forward to heading to Richmond tomorrow morning as we enter into session and begin delivering for the 48th District.”
Phillips is filling the vacant seat left by Del. Les Adams, who resigned to pursue a judgeship.
House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert congratulated Phillips for his win. Congratulations to [Eric Phillips] on a big win tonight,” said Gilbert. “We look forward to fighting together with you for a better Virginia starting tomorrow in Richmond!”
Mulchi will be the new senator for SD-09. She defeated the Democratic candidate Tina Wyatt-Younger. Mulchi once served on Sen. Frank Ruff’s staff, and he endorsed her candidacy when he resigned last month due to a cancer diagnosis.
“In Richmond, I am ready to get to work for our rural communities, family farmers, and Southern Virginia. I know I have big shoes to fill with Senator Ruff retiring, but I am ready to get to work,” said Mulchi in a statement to her supporters Tuesday night.
“Tammy Mulchi ran a great campaign and her victory reaffirms voters want effective, principled conservatives representing them in the Senate,” said Senate Republican Leader Ryan McDougle. “With her experience serving as Senator Ruff’s Legislative Aide, her success running a small business, and her deep roots in the region she has been elected to serve, Tammy Mulchi will be an effective senator from day one. On behalf of Senate Republicans, I congratulate Tammy on her impressive victory and welcome her to our caucus.”
Susan Swecker, the chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Virginia, thanked both candidates in a statement Tuesday night. “I am incredibly proud of the campaigns that both Melody and Tina ran and commend them and their teams for leading such hard-fought races,” she said. “They left nothing on the field, and I am certain this is not the last we will see of both these women.”
