Virginia GOP chair stepping down at end of year

Virginia State Sen. Mark Peake will step down as chairman of the Virginia Republican Party at the end of the year.

Peake has held the leadership position since April.

When the Virginia General Assembly reconvenes, there will be a record number of women in the House of Delegates, a majority of them part of a blue wave of women. News4’s Julie Carey reports.

His decision follows the Republicans’ defeat in three statewide races last month and the Democrats’ increased majority in the House of Delegates.

In a letter to party leaders, Peake expressed his desire to dedicate his full attention to the upcoming General Assembly session.

In his letter, Peake emphasized that the new party chair will need to focus all their energy on addressing a potential constitutional amendment regarding redistricting, as well as preparing for the 2026 Senate and congressional races.

Scott Pio, chairman of the Loudoun County Republican Party, launched a social media campaign calling for Peake’s resignation.