Democratic voters in Richmond and Chesterfield County have chosen Charlie Schmidt to serve as the party’s candidate to replace Michael Jones in the House of Delegates.

A former ACLU attorney, Schmidt earned 55% of the votes cast in a firehouse primary to represent House District 77. Former Richmond City Council President Michelle Mosby secured 42% of the votes, while James River Soil and Water Conservation District Treasurer Gregory Powers won 2.76%.

In a statement accepting the nomination, Schmidt thanked his opponents and pledged to bring “a legislative agenda for working people, by working people” to the special general election. He identified low wages, rising costs, access to clean air and water, school funding, and protections for immigrants as key issues for the district and the state.

“The people of Virginia have a right to live with dignity and security,” Schmidt said. “It is the duty of the Democratic Party to deliver this vision. If elected, I intend to serve the 77th in solidarity with the whole of the Commonwealth.”

The primary to succeed Jones as the district’s Democratic representative, like the earlier contest to replace Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi in the Virginia Senate, was a fast-paced race that lasted only a week. Both contests drew multiple state and local endorsements, with Mosby receiving support from Jones, Del. Delores McQuinn and Mayor Danny Avula.

“Participating in our democratic process is never easy, but it is always necessary, and I remain grateful for the trust, encouragement and support I received throughout this race,” Mosby said in a statement. “While the outcome was not what we hoped for, I respect the results and congratulate the nominee.”

Schmidt’s years of professional work and Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Lamont Bagby said that experience could have a meaningful impact in the legislature. community advocacy have been a focus of his campaign, and 

“Charlie Schmidt ran on providing dignity, safety and opportunity to all Virginians,” Bagby said in a statement. “His legal and community experience will serve him well in the House of Delegates.” 

At press time, no Republican candidate has been announced for the district seat. 

The special election is set for Tuesday, Jan. 6. Early in-person voting will run from Saturday, Dec. 27 through Saturday, Jan. 3, ending at 5 p.m. 

Requests for mailed absentee ballots can be submitted to the Richmond or Chesterfield registrar’s offices until Monday, Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. The deadline for voter registration or updating registration information is Tuesday, Dec. 30.