Virginia voters sue to remove Democrat from key state house ballot
A group of voters in Virginia has filed a lawsuit seeking to disqualify Democratic incumbent Candi Mundon King from the ballot in the 87th House of Delegates district. The plaintiffs allege that King does not reside in the district she represents. Control of the closely divided state House could hinge on the outcome in this battleground district.
In a move that could influence the balance of power in Virginia's legislature, several registered voters from the 87th House of Delegates district filed a lawsuit on October 10, 2023, in Prince William County Circuit Court. The suit targets Democratic Delegate Candi Mundon King, accusing her of violating state residency requirements by not living within the district boundaries.
The 87th district, encompassing parts of Prince William County, is pivotal in the upcoming November 7, 2023, general election. Republicans currently hold a slim 51-49 majority in the 100-seat Virginia House of Delegates, making competitive districts like this one crucial for either party to secure or maintain control. King's Republican challenger, John Reid, could benefit if the lawsuit succeeds in removing her from the ballot.
According to the complaint, public records and investigations show King's primary residence is outside the district, in an area not covered by the 87th's boundaries. The plaintiffs argue that Virginia law requires elected officials to maintain residency in their district throughout their term. 'Residency is not just a technicality; it's a fundamental requirement to ensure representatives are accountable to their constituents,' said one of the lead plaintiffs, a local voter named in court documents.
King's campaign has firmly rejected the allegations. In a statement, her team asserted that she resides in the district and complies with all legal standards. 'Delegate King is fully committed to serving the families of the 87th District, where she lives and works every day,' the statement read. No court date has been set yet, but legal experts note that such challenges often face tight timelines ahead of elections.
This lawsuit emerges amid heightened scrutiny of candidate qualifications in Virginia, where redistricting and demographic shifts have made several seats toss-ups. If successful, it could force a write-in campaign or special election provisions, potentially altering voter dynamics in a district that leaned Democratic in recent cycles but saw narrow margins in 2021.