Virginia Democrat Dan Helmer Draws Backlash Over Bid to Block Justice Kelsey Reappointment in 2027
Updated
Updated · CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR · May 22
Virginia Democrat Dan Helmer Draws Backlash Over Bid to Block Justice Kelsey Reappointment in 2027
1 articles · Updated · CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR · May 22
Dan Helmer said, "We will make sure" Justice D. Arthur Kelsey no longer serves when his Supreme Court of Virginia term expires on Jan. 31, 2027, triggering criticism over judicial independence.
The remarks followed the court's 4-3 ruling this month, authored by Kelsey, that struck down April's redistricting referendum and nullified a vote that could have reshaped Virginia's congressional map.
Ryan McDougle, the state Senate's Republican minority leader, said lawmakers should not threaten judges over a single ruling or try to "pack the court" by removing them for political reasons.
Don Scott, the Democratic House speaker, declined to commit on Kelsey's future, calling him a "distinguished jurist" and saying reappointment decisions should follow a "thoughtful, sober-minded" process.
John Aughenbaugh of VCU said Virginia justices are usually reappointed and warned that denying Kelsey another 12-year term for partisan reasons would revive a practice not seen since 1883.
Could one lawmaker’s threat over a court ruling end a 140-year tradition of judicial reappointment?
Will a single redistricting case permanently alter the balance of power between Virginia’s courts and legislature?