Virginia voters seeking a replacement to the late Rep. Jo Ann Davis will choose between Republican Del. Rob Wittman and Democratic nominee Phil Forgit in a fast-paced campaign for the 1st Congressional District.
The candidates have less than a month before the Dec. 11 special election to mobilize supporters across a sprawling district that includes southern Prince William County and runs down to Hampton Roads.
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Wittman knocked off 10 competitors in a Republican convention, while Forgit defeated Ted Hontz in a two-person race at its Democratic counterpart Saturday.
Wittman outlasted a crowded field that included former Loudoun County Del. Dick Black, wealthy conservative businessman Paul Jost and Davis’ husband, firefighter Chuck Davis, among others. He slowly rose through the ranks, winning broader support as the group narrowed to the decisive sixth vote.
“It was crazy, but a lot of fun,” Wittman said. “I looked at it and thought if we stayed in the top two or three, we would get there.”
Although Wittman is a newcomer to the General Assembly, still in his first term, he says that experience, on top of two decades in local government, including service as a mayor and county chairman, will give him an upper hand.
“I think having that on-the-ground experience, local elected office and state elected office for over 22 years will mean a lot to voters,” Wittman said.
The district leans Republican and makes Wittman, a freshman state lawmaker from Westmoreland, the favorite.
But Forgit, a Williamsburg-area teacher who served in Iraq with the Naval Reserves said on his Web site his service will be important in a district that includes Quantico.
“I know I bring the kind of background and beliefs that will appeal to voters.”
Davis won the seat in 2000 and was serving her fourth term when she died of cancer Oct. 6.
