Republicans Pick Nominee to Replace Herring in 33rd Senate District Race

By Dusty Smith and Jennifer van der Kleut

John Whitbeck defeated Herndon's Ron Meyer Monday night in the Republican Mass Meeting to become the GOP nominee for the 33rd Virginia Senate District race.

Democrats previously selected Jennifer Wexton over Herndon Town Councilmember Sheila Olem as their nominee. 

Joe May, a delegate who lost his reelection primary, is also running for the seat as an Independent. That move came shortly after the GOP—the party for which he has long been a member—decided to choose its nominee by Mass Meeting rather than a firehouse primary, the typical practice.

All of the bids presume Sen. Mark Herring, who now holds the seat, prevails in a recount of votes for Virginia Attorney General from November’s election. The official tally had Herring ahead of Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) by 165 votes before the recount, which might take until Friday to complete.

Following Monday night's announcement, Ron Meyer tweeted a congratulatory message to John Whitbeck, adding, "Onward to victory!"

Others tweeted about Meyer's whirlwind, two-week run, calling it a "classy campaign" and him "a bright young star" in the party.

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