Aird defeats Morrissey in Democratic primary

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Lashrecse Aird has won Virginia Senate District 13′s democratic primary election with 70% of the vote, following incumbent Sen. Joe Morrissey’s concession on stage Tuesday night.

Aird greeted a large group of supporters at a union hall in Highland Springs following her victory.

The former state delegate and mother of two spent most of her time on the campaign trail railing against Morrissey, who said he wouldn’t support fewer abortion restrictions.

Aird represented the 63rd District in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2016 to 2022. The former delegate said a women’s right to choose is a top priority as reproductive laws in surrounding states become more restrictive.

In her speech, Aird thanked her family and friends, adding that her support for women’s reproductive rights got her to this point.

“This win is for my kids; it’s for the kids and the families of this district,” Aird said. “It’s for the kids and the families across our commonwealth. They deserve to know that when you are on the right side, you can win.”

Meanwhile, Joe Morrissey will soon be out of his job serving in Virginia’s statehouse. He conceded at an event in Dinwiddie County. Morrissey said he will cherish his accomplishments in office and looks forward to private life.

“It’s been a great honor to serve in senate, and I think we got a lot of things done, but I’m looking forward right now to being a full-time dad, coaching my kids in a merry of sports and off and moving onto the next chapter in my life,” said Morrissey.

Aird will face Republican Eric Ditri in the General Election on Nov. 7 for control of Senate District 13, which encompasses portions of Henrico County down to Petersburg.

Aird’s full statement is here:

Today, Lashrecse Aird, an unapologetic pro-choice champion, won the Democratic primary in Virginia’s 13th Senate District. Lashrecse Aird released the following statement.

“I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support. It is truly a testament to our community and to our Commonwealth that I am standing here on this stage.

“Growing up, I watched as my parents worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. They never gave up on themselves, they never gave up on me, and they taught me to never give up on my community. It’s thanks to their perseverance that I’m standing on this stage tonight as the Democratic nominee for Senate District 13.

“But this victory is not just mine. This victory also belongs to the tireless volunteers and campaign staff who knocked doors, made phone calls, and sent text messages. Thank you to all of my partner orgs for fighting by my side. Thank you to my future colleagues in the state Senate for speaking out and standing up for what’s right.

“Most of all, I want to thank everyone here for your refusal to accept the status quo. Thank you for believing in better, and for being willing to fight for it day in and day out these past few months.

“As we set our sights beyond our victory tonight, I’m ready to hit the ground running.

“In Richmond, I’ll be a firewall for our reproductive rights in the face of Republican extremists who think they have the right to make decisions about our own bodies.

“I’ll push to fully fund our public schools and fix our roads. In the Senate, I’ll fight for affordable health care and child care access. As your next state Senator, I’ll prioritize our working families and ensure women have a seat at the table.

“This is the power of electing responsible leadership. Thank you for putting your faith in me. I promise you this is just the beginning.”

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