Morrissey wins 74th District special election, reclaims seat in House of Delegates; Democratic leadership expresses disdain

Controversial candidate Joe Morrissey won today’s (Tuesday) special election for the state House of Delegates’ 74th District seat he resigned from just a few weeks ago. And considering the extremely low voter turnout, he prevailed by a comfortable margin over his two challengers while sweeping all three localities in the district.

Morrissey, a former Democrat now independent who is in jail following a contributing to the delinquency of a minor conviction, polled 2,840 votes. His closest challenger, Democrat and Charles City County resident Kevin Sullivan, earned 2,243 while Republican Matt Walton trailed in third with 1,622.

Morrissey captured Charles City’s three precincts with 474 votes followed by Sullivan (343) and Walton (282). The order of finish was the same in all three precincts: Precinct 1- Morrissey 136, Sullivan 103, Walton 93; Precinct 2- Morrissey 159, Sullivan 86, Walton 57; Precinct 3- Morrissey 162, Sullivan 146, Walton 117.

Morrissey also won the areas of Henrico County and Richmond city that fall within the 74th District.

His former Democrat colleagues in the House, however, apparently are not happy with Morrissey’s victory, judging from a statement released by Democratic leader David Toscano and caucus chair Scott Surovell.

“Joe Morrissey chose to run as an Independent; he is not a member of the Democratic Party, nor is he a member of the House Democratic Caucus. His conviction and actions over the past two months were reprehensible, and we will be exploring every avenue in regard to his status as a member of the House of Delegates,” said the two top Democrats.