Open House of Delegates seat draws crowded field

PORTSMOUTH

Del. Ken Melvin's surprise announcement last month that he won't seek re-election got phones ringing all over the city.

An open House of Delegates seat isn't an opportunity that comes along every day. It hasn't for about 24 years in the 80th District, which is how long Melvin will have served.

"It stirred up a lot of excitement, a lot of interest," said Cynthia P. Morrison, chairwoman of Portsmouth's Democratic committee.

Several big players in the heavily Democratic district are considering a run for the seat, and a Republican candidate already has declared.

The potential Democratic candidates include:

- Councilman Doug Smith and Councilwoman Elizabeth Psimas.

- Former councilman and School Board member Ray A. Smith Sr.

- Attorney Robin Holley Duke, daughter of Mayor James Holley.

- Matthew James, the city's former director of economic development and president of the Peninsula Council for Workforce Development.

- Cardell Patillo Sr., senior deputy commissioner of revenue.

- Elijah "Buddy" Sharp, a high school teacher and former longtime president of the United Civic League of Cavalier Manor.

Meanwhile, former Park View civic league President Jennifer Lee has already said that she plans to seek the Republican nomination for the seat.

Melvin is for now declining to endorse a potential successor.

A primary will be held to choose the Democratic candidate. The time line is quick: People seeking the nomination need to file paperwork by April 10 to be in the June 9 primary.

Turnout probably will be larger than for a typical primary because of contested statewide races for governor and lieutenant governor, said Suffolk councilman and longtime political watcher Robert Barclay IV. "A crowded field probably benefits the best-known person," Barclay added.

The open seat for the 80th District also likely will increase voter turnout, Morrison said.

The 80th District comprises downtown Portsmouth, Cradock, Cavalier Manor and other city neighborhoods in the south, plus sections of Norfolk and Chesapeake.

Nearly 32,000 of the district's 43,146 registered voters live in Portsmouth, according to the state Board of Elections.

Morrison said the district has been in Democratic hands for more than 20 years.

"The full might of the Democratic Party will be reaching out to make sure that we keep that seat," Morrison said.

Jen McCaffery, (757) 446-2627, jen.mccaffery@pilotonline.com