Democrat says Prince William County changing politically, remains bellwether of state politics
Scott Surovell will replace the long-serving Virginia State Senator Toddy Puller.
Puller served in the Senate since 1999, and seven years in the House of Delegates before that. The Democrat will retire this year.
Surovell is the Democrat who campaigned against Republican Jerry Foreman, the Mayor of Dumfries. It was the first bid for state office for Foreman, while Surovell has already spent the past five years in as a Fairfax County representative in the Hosue of Delegates.
The 36th District is a Gerrymandered District made up of portions of southern Fairfax County, eastern Prince William County, and northern Stafford County. Surovell won the race by 21 points overall. He also won the majority of precincts in Fairfax, and Prince William counties, while Foreman won the majority in GOP-heavy Stafford.
“Prince William County is the battleground for Virginia…Prince William County is where the future of this state will be decided,” Surovell heralded in his election night victory speech. “Prince William County is changing, we’re starting to show people what Prince William County stands for.”
Foreman issued this statement on his Facebook page:
Elections are always hard fought, win or lose you always pray those folks that win…have our support and prayers for guidance. As Mayor, I have the firm belief and commitment that I will work with elected officials that represent our area. This will continue.
Foreman won reelection as Dumfries Mayor in 2014. It’s a job he’ll keep for two more years.
Surovell campaigned heavily on the issues of title car loan companies out of business. Keeping a watchful eye on Dominion Virginia Power as they work to close coal ash ponds at the Possum Point Power Station outside Dumfries was another campaign issue.
And the ever-popular expand Metro to Woodbridge appeared once again as a campaign trail issue. Only this time the idea is catching on, and a rail extension study is supported by the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.
Surovell will be sworn into his new role in the Virginia Senate in January in time for the next General Assembly session January 18. Surovell credited Democrats working together, using a joint campaign office in Woodbridge, and literature listing the names of Democrats running for local office as some the keys to his victory.
