Sullivan Running For Reelection To VA House Of Delegates In November

MCLEAN, VA — Richard C. "Rip" Sullivan Jr. (D) announced on Monday that he was running for reelection to the Virginia House of Delegates in the 6th District, which includes McLean, Great Falls and parts of Vienna.

“Serving the people of the 6th District has been an honor, and my commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous Virginia has never been greater,” he said, in a release. “At a time when unpredictable and harmful policies at the federal level threaten our progress, Virginia needs experienced, principled leaders who will stand up for our communities. I have worked hard to grow our economy, support working families, protect our environment, and keep our communities safe. I look forward to continuing the work and moving Virginia forward.”

Sullivan and his wife Beth are Langley High School graduates. Their four children were raised in McLean and graduated from Fairfax County public schools.

As a member of the Virginia General Assembly, Sullivan has led a number of legislative initiatives, including climate and energy, healthcare, gun safety, education, election reform, women’s rights, and LGBTQ rights, according to his campaign announcement.

Before becoming a delegate, Sullivan served on the Fairfax County Park Authority and was vice chair of the Fairfax Redevelopment and Housing Authority. He also served as president of both the McLean Community Foundation and Legal Services of Northern Virginia and was a member of the Fairfax Consumer Protection Commission and the Fairfax Transportation Advisory Commission. In addition, he chaired the Dranesville Budget Task Force and currently co-chairs the Fairfax Affordable Housing Advisory Council.

The 6th District leans Democratic, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. In the 2024 presidential election, 64.6 percent of district residents voted for President Kamala Harris (D) and 31.7 percent voted for President Donald Trump (R).

Related: Rip Sullivan To Seek Re-Election In VA's New 6th District; Kathleen Murphy To Retire

Sullivan was first elected to the house of delegates in 2014, defeating Republican Dave Foster in the 48th District race, according to VPAP.

Following redistricting, Sullivan and Del. Kathleen Murphy, the incumbent in the 34th District, ended up in the new 6th District. After Murphy chose not to seek reelection, Sullivan defeated Republican Kristin Hoffman in the 2023 general election.

No other candidates have announced their intention to challenge Sullivan. The Democratic Primary is June 17, if one is needed, and the general election is Nov. 4.