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Virginia Republicans named their leadership team late Wednesday as they ready to take control of the state Senate in January.
Sen. Thomas Norment, R-James City, will transition from his post as minority leader to majority leader, despite some speculation that party officials would consider a less moderate member to lead a decidely conservative caucus. In a recent rating of Virginia lawmakers by the American Conservative Union, Norment scored a 62, the lowest among Senate Republicans.
Regardless, Norment was unanimously elected as the Senate’s top Republican under Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, who presides over the chamber.
Sen. Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, an ally of Gov. Bob McDonnell and a straunch conservative, will assume the role of caucus chairman. He’s joined by new caucus Vice President Sen. Stephen Newman, R-Bedford County, and Majority Whips Sens. Jeffrey McWaters, R-Virginia Beach, William Stanley, R-Franklin County, and Jill Vogel, R-Fauquier.
