Portsmouth's Del. Melvin moving on after two decades

RICHMOND

Del. Ken Melvin said Tuesday that he will not seek re-election in November, making this session of the General Assembly his last.

A Portsmouth Democrat first elected in 1985, Melvin said he has been thinking about stepping down since the legislature convened in January and arrived at his decision after recent discussions with family and party leaders.

When asked what caused him to decide not to run, he said, "Twenty-four years of doing this, that's what brought this on."

"I've enjoyed it," Melvin said. "This has been the education of a lifetime being here."

A married father of two adult sons, Melvin, 56, said he will focus on his Hampton Roads law firm once his government career concludes.

But several legislators, who did not want to be identified, said Tuesday that Melvin may have a second career in public life ahead of him. He is being considered for a Portsmouth Circuit Court seat, the legislators said.

Legislators this week are expected to elect a slate of judges to seats on local courts across the state, including several in Hampton Roads.

Were he to be named to the bench, Melvin's appointment probably wouldn't occur that quickly.

Melvin declined to comment about a possible future in the judiciary.

Del. Bill Janis, R-Henrico County, said he hadn't heard Melvin was being considered for a judgeship but said he would make a fine jurist.

"He's forgotten more about the law than most lawyers will ever know," said Janis, who is a member of the House Courts of Justice committee, which vets judicial candidates.

Melvin said among his proudest legislative accomplishments was successfully sponsoring a bill to bar lawmakers from raising campaign cash while the General Assembly is in session.

He also was involved in establishing the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security, known as FAMIS, which is a program to provide health insurance to needy children.

Melvin, who has a reputation as a commanding public speaker, recently drew a standing ovation for an impassioned speech he gave in the House chamber on the eve of President Barack Obama's inauguration in January.

Melvin declined to say whether he is supporting anyone to run for his 80th District House seat, which represents parts of Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Norfolk.

One person has already said she wants the job.

Jennifer Lee of Portsmouth said Tuesday she is seeking the Republican nomination. Lee, 55, has served as president of the Park View Civic League and on Portsmouth's Sister Cities and Craney Island commissions.

She is a senior information systems manager for Virginia Oncology Associates in Norfolk.

Staff writer Jen McCaffrey contributed to this report.

Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com