Bagby elected chair of Democratic Party of Virginia
Table of Contents
Virginia State Senator Lamont Bagby (D-9th District) was selected as chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia by the party's Central Committee March 22. Bagby (whose district includes a portion of Henrico County) succeeds Susan Swecker, who served as chair since March 2015.
Bagby has represented the 9th District in the Virginia Senate since 2023. He previously served as the 74th District delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2015 to 2023, and prior to that represented the Fairfield District on the Henrico School Board from 2008 to 2015. He worked as an educator before seeking public office.
Bagby has served as chair of the bicameral Virginia Legislative Black Caucus since 2017.
“I am truly humbled and grateful to the members of the Central Committee for entrusting me with the honor of leading the Democratic Party of Virginia during this pivotal moment in our Commonwealth’s history,” Bagby said in a statement. “As we face critical elections this November and beyond, we must continue to champion a bold vision that prioritizes the needs of working families, strengthens our communities, and safeguards the freedoms of all Virginians. I am ready to roll up my sleeves, work with local committees, engage directly with voters, and ensure our party keeps leading Virginia toward a brighter and better future.”
Bagby won the election with 66% of the vote and assumes the role of chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia effective immediately.
One of Bagby's opponents for the position of chair, Josh Stanfield, had raised questions about whether Bagby's initial omission of information about his wife and businesses on economic interest disclosure forms would make him a potential liability for the party in a leadership position. (Bagby said the omissions were an oversight and corrected them earlier this month.)
But party officials didn't seem concerned.
“From his time on the Henrico County School Board to his work in the General Assembly, Senator Bagby has been a driving force in moving Virginia forward,”said Swecker. “I know he will continue to lead our party to new heights as we approach critical elections this November and face the uncharted challenges to our Commonwealth posed by the Trump administration.”
