Fearer ends campaign for delegate, new candidate steps up
Todd Fearer withdrew from the 2019 House of Delegates race in District 7 on Monday, and local Democratic Party officials announced a caucus to select a new nominee.
“Trying to balance the needs of my family, a full-time job, and my campaign are taking a mental and physical toll on me and my family that is not sustainable,” Dr. Fearer said. (Full statement below.)
The Democrats’ 7th District Nominating Committee issued a Call to Caucus for Democrats from the district to meet on Saturday, June 8, at 2 p.m. in the Montgomery County Government Center. For more information visit https://www.mcdemocrats.org/
Longtime health-care advocate Rhonda Seltz, a Pulaski County native, stepped forward to run for this office, with Fearer’s endorsement. She lives in Riner, in Montgomery County, and works as a community outreach coordinator for the state Department of Medical Assistance Services and as adjunct instructor in Radford University’s School of Social Work. She brings extensive experience in health and human services, with degrees in psychology from Virginia Tech and California State University.
Her 38 years of experience (mental health, aging and long-term care, substance abuse, oral health, community organizing, outreach, advocacy, policy, and marketing) have prepared her for this next step to continue to work with people in the 7th District to make life better here and throughout the Commonwealth.
The 7th District includes all of Floyd County and large parts of Montgomery and Pulaski counties. The seat is currently held by Nick Rush of Christiansburg.
Fearer’s statement follows:
*Dear Friends and Supporters,
A few weeks ago, I decided to suspend my campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates 7th District seat to take time to re-evaluate my decision to run for office. Today, I am formally announcing my withdrawal from the race.
While this decision may seem sudden, it is being made with considerable thought and counsel from close friends and family, many who have been involved with the campaign. When I decided to run for office, I spent about a year researching what the campaign would entail to try to best prepare myself for the sacrifices and stress I knew it would create for myself and my family. In spite of that preparation, the demands of trying to balance the needs of my family, a full-time job, and my campaign are taking a mental and physical toll on me and my family that is not sustainable.
Many of you have poured a tremendous amount of support into my campaign. I understand the disappointment and likely frustration my decision may cause many of you, and I sincerely apologize for that.
I have been working with the Democratic Party leadership to chart the best path forward in light of my decision. Fortunately, Rhonda Seltz has stepped forward to run for the 7th District seat. I fully endorse Rhonda, and I urge everyone to give her your full support. Please continue to support all the other great Democratic candidates who are running for offices throughout the New River Valley.”
Sincerely, Todd Fearer