3 Key Consequences of Aaron Rouse's Special Election Victory in VASD-07
Legislation Limiting Abortion in Virginia is Dead: It would have been a long shot anyway due to the set up of committees in Virginia, but now it’s officially over. Some Virginia Republicans had a lot of hope that with a victory here and some help from Joe Morrissey, the notorious pro-life Democrat from Petersburg, they could pass a 15 week limit on abortion. With the Rouse victory, that dream is dead in the water. Abortion will be fully protected in Virginia for at least another legislative cycle, and it’s all in part because of Rouse’s victory tonight.
Aaron Rouse Becomes an Immediate Rising Star: Rouse does still have a 2023 election he needs to get through. But that should end up being no problem in the new VASD-22, which is significantly more Democratic leaning than the one he won tonight. However, winning here places Rouse as one of the most high profile officials in Virginia Beach City, and could see his phone get a lot of calls from the DCCC if Elaine Luria passes on a rematch with Jen Kiggans in 2024. Now, that’s still a long ways away and lots will happen over the next year and a half (and there’s rumors Rouse may be more focused on state level promotions). But with this win, Rouse has the pathway to a possibly quick promotion if he wants it, and I’m sure the DCCC has added him to their contact list after tonight.
Kelly Convirs-Fowler’s career is over… for now: Convirs-Fowler was rumored to be taking a long look at the new VASD-22 if Rouse lost tonight. Already retired from the House, where she wouldn’t win currently due to redistricting drawing her in to the Safe R seat in VA Beach, this was her only real shot at staying in state government after this year. I’m not so sure she’s done, and I’m sure she could make a comeback if Rouse does search for that quick promotion. But for now, her options are zilch, and it’ll be interesting to see what her next move is as someone who was also considered a rising start for Virginia Beach Democrats.