A firehouse primary is set for Sunday, Dec. 14, to fill the House of Delegates seat left vacant by Michael Jones’ election to the state Senate. The Democratic Party of Virginia announced the details Tuesday, two days after Jones secured his victory and a day after he resigned from House District 77, which covers parts of Richmond and Chesterfield County. 

The Democratic Party of Virginia announced the details Tuesday, two days after Jones secured his victory and a day after he resigned from House District 77, which covers parts of Richmond and Chesterfield County. 

At the time of publication, two candidates had announced their bids for the Democratic nomination — former City Council president and mayoral candidate Michelle Mosby and former ACLU attorney and community activist Charlies Schmidt. 

Mosby cites her experience as a small-business owner, nonprofit leader and former elected official, along with her community ties, as qualifications for the seat. Her campaign says she would focus on housing, public safety, youth support and economic development. 

“We need leadership that is prepared, steady, compassionate and ready to work from day one,” Mosby said when announcing her campaign. “I am prepared to bring my experience, my relationships, and my unwavering commitment to the people of District 77 to the floor of the House of Delegates.” 

Schmidt describes himself as a progressive candidate with experience challenging powerful institutions and working on civil rights issues. His platform includes support for housing and health care, union workers, public schools and protections for environmental, LGBTQ+, voting and reproductive rights. 

“Throughout my life and my legal career, I have worked to protect the vulnerable, seek justice and ensure our government is accountable to the people,” Schmidt said. “Now I want to take that experience to the General Assembly.” 

Mosby and Schmidt have won endorsements from several Richmond and Chesterfield officials and groups, including one for Mosby from Jones. 

Prospective candidates for the primary have until 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12 to submit a Certificate of Candidate Qualification and Statement of Economic Interest, along with a filing fee, with the HD-77 Nominating Committee. 

Voting will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Richmond High School for the Arts, 4314 Crutchfield St., and Providence Middle School, 900 Starlight Lane in Chesterfield. The nominee will advance to a special general election Tuesday, Jan. 6.