Democrats reach historic goal: A full slate in Virginia House races
For the first time in recent memory, Virginia Democrats have candidates running in all 100 House of Delegates districts — a milestone party leaders and grassroots organizers say reflects rising momentum as President Donald Trump’s second term continues to galvanize opposition.
Rocco DeBellis, a 57-year-old chef, Bronx native, and Cape Charles resident, filed this week to run in House District 100, making it the final district to be contested and completing the Democrats’ full slate. DeBellis, who runs a catering business and serves as the private chef to TV personality Judith Sheindlin — better known as Judge Judy — is challenging Del. Rob Bloxom, R-Accomack, in a district that spans the Eastern Shore and parts of Virginia Beach.
“Nobody else had put their hat in the ring, so I said, it can’t go uncontested,” DeBellis said. “This guy has to have at least somebody playing a little defense against him. If nobody else is going to step up and do it, I will gladly.”
The decision by DeBellis — who calls himself a Bernie Sanders-style Democrat and critiques what he sees as the outsized influence of corporate power in politics — is emblematic of a broader push by Democrats to compete statewide, even in ruby-red territory.
https://virginiamercury.com/2025/05/07/democrats-reach-historic-goal-full-slate-in-virginia-house-races/
= new reply since forum marked as read
