Senate Republican Caucus Condemns Delegate Helmer’s Attack on the Judiciary
Senate Republican Caucus Condemns Delegate Helmer’s Attack on the Judiciary, Calls on Governor Spanberger, Speaker Scott, Leader Surovell, and President Pro Tempore Lucas to Denounce Retaliation Against the Courts
RICHMOND, VA — Senate Republicans today issued a strong condemnation of Delegate Dan Helmer’s remarks attacking the Virginia Supreme Court following its ruling on redistricting, and called on Governor Abigail Spanberger, Speaker Don Scott, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, and Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas to publicly denounce this dangerous assault on an independent branch of government.
After the Virginia Supreme Court issued a ruling upholding the Constitution and rule of law, Delegate Helmer responded with open hostility — pledging to pursue “reform” of the judiciary in retaliation for a decision he personally disagreed with. These remarks are not policy disagreement; they are a direct threat against judges for doing their jobs.
“Delegate Helmer is attacking the judiciary for following the constitution after they rejected the lobster-shaped district specifically drawn for him,” said Senate Republican Leader Ryan T. McDougle. “This is a direct assault on an independent, co-equal branch of government. When a politician loses in court and responds by threatening the very institution that ruled against him, every Virginian, regardless of party, should be alarmed. Governor Spanberger, Speaker Scott, Leader Surovell, and Senator Lucas have an obligation to speak up and make clear that this kind of retaliation has no place in the Commonwealth.”
Caucus Chair, Senator Mark Obenshain added:
“It’s worth noting that Justice Kelsey was appointed by Governor Mark Warner, so this was a constitutional ruling - not a partisan one. Judges must be free to decide difficult cases on the merits without fearing they’ll lose their seats over unpopular decisions.
“The General Assembly’s power to reappoint judges carries a special duty to protect judicial independence, not undermine it. Threats of political retaliation against judges have no place in Virginia.
“Governor Spanberger, Speaker Scott, Leader Surovell, and President Pro Tempore Lucas should clearly reject such threats, regardless of party.”
The independence of Virginia’s judiciary is a cornerstone of our democracy. Judges must be free to rule based on the Constitution and the law, not based on whether their decisions please powerful politicians who hold the keys to their reappointment. Delegate Helmer’s threats are especially troubling given that the General Assembly controls judicial selection in Virginia.
Senate Republicans call on every Democratic leader in the Commonwealth to join us in unequivocally rejecting these remarks and reaffirming their commitment to an independent judiciary.
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