By WMAL.com
Tensions finally reached a boiling point amongst Virginia House Democrats on Wednesday, as they moved to remove Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn via secret-ballot in a closed-door meeting. The ousting of Filler-Corn followed a tenure in which she miserably failed to expand the democratic voter base in the Commonwealth and saw a red wave hit the state in 2021 as Republicans were elected governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and claimed a majority in the House.
Ever since the devastating 2021 elections results came in this past Fall, Democrats state-wide have been in a finger pointing game on whom to place the blame. For the past ten years, Virginia has been a relatively solid blue state, but it is clear the winds of change are in the air in the Commonwealth.
The removal efforts were led by relative newcomers to the House, Del. Don L. Scott Jr. (D-Portsmouth), who sought to replace the failed former Speaker. The vote was extremely close, with 25 of 48 members of the House Democratic Caucus voting to relieve her of her duties as Speaker and party leader.
The House Democratic Caucus is currently leaderless, as the party opted to not immediately replace Filler-Corn despite the recommendations of revolt-leader Del. Scott.
“I was proud of all that we accomplished after taking the majority in 2019 and was willing to step up as Minority Leader once more to regain that majority. Our caucus is made up of 48 talented and diverse individuals and I look forward to working with them to retake the majority,” said Filler-Corn following the vote.
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