Del. Farrell Won’t Seek Re-Election for HOD-56, Candidates Lining Up

In an announcement that made the decision public, Republican Delegate Peter Farrell (HOD-56) announced last week he would not seek re-election to the House of Delegates district he has represented since 2011.

Farrell, whose dad is powerful Dominion Resources CEO Tom Farrell, was considered a rising star within the party but made the decision to step aside because of family and work considerations, according to his Facebook page:

Many folks know that I have been deliberating whether to run again. After lots of prayer and consideration I will not be seeking re-election. Being a member of the House of Delegates has been the greatest honor of my professional life. Thank you to all who I have met along the way as the best part of the job is getting to meet a lot of great people from all walks of life. It was a tough decision, but with a young family and a growing business I cannot give the job as Delegate the time and energy that it deserves. Thank you to everyone who has given me the opportunity to be your representative and thank you to all the wonderful staff at the General Assembly who are some of the best public servants around!

Democrats have already fielded a candidate to run for the seat, Lizzie Drucker-Basch.

Republicans, eyeing the very red district, are beginning to line up to seek the GOP nomination. Chairman of the Louisa County Republican Committee Graven W. Craig, a Cuccinelli ally, was first out of the gate, publicizing his intent last week within hours of Farrell’s announcement.

On Monday, Louisa resident and longtime conservative George Goodwin became the second candidate, circulating a press release noting that he “has a Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia Military Institute and a Master’s Degree from the University of Virginia, both in Civil Engineering. Following a 33-year career in federal intelligence service, he retired and began working in politics, first as a Campaign Manager and Legislative Advisor for Congressman Tom Garrett (R-VA 5th District) and then as a Legislative Advisor for Senator Mark Peake (R-VA Senate District 22).” He serves on the Louisa County Planning Commission, and manages the ancestral Goodwin family farm, Oaksby, with his son Christian.

Shaun Kenney has more here about George Goodwin.

Word on the street is that there will be another candidate announcing Monday afternoon. Stay tuned … this could be a very crowded field before it’s all over.