Virginia GOP chairman steps down after November blowout

Virginia state Sen. Mark Peake said Monday he is stepping down as chairman of the Virginia Republican Party, citing a need to focus on next year’s legislative session.

Peake stepped into the position earlier this year after President Donald Trump nominated former Chairman Rich Anderson to be the Air Force’s assistant secretary. Since then, the Virginia GOP suffered losses in November, losing all three of the top races in the state, while the state Democratic Party gained 13 seats in the House of Delegates.