Fourth District Republicans on Saturday nominated Leon Benjamin, a Richmond minister, as the party’s candidate in the Feb. 21 special election for the seat of former Rep. Donald McEachin, a Democrat who died Nov. 28.
Benjamin, a backer of former President Donald Trump, lost to McEachin by 91,000 votes in 2020 and by 73,000 votes on Nov. 8.
On Saturday, Benjamin topped Dale Sturdifen, a former chair of the Mecklenburg County School Board, and Derrick Hollie, the leader of a nonprofit advocacy organization from Northern Virginia, in a party canvass at Life Christian Academy in Colonial Heights.
Benjamin said in a Twitter post: “Thank you, VA-4, for your nomination to represent you in Washington! Together we will WIN this Special Election and ensure your voice is HEARD through the Halls of Congress.”
People are also reading…
Benjamin, a Navy veteran, is the senior pastor of New Life Harvest Church. He founded the Coalition of Leaders United, which he says is “dedicated to advancing conservative values and restoring moral clarity in America.”
In July, Benjamin issued a news release that called election integrity “the single most important issue facing America today” and asserted that “the election was STOLEN from our rightful President Donald J. Trump.”
McEachin, a minister and longtime lawyer, refused to debate or appear with Benjamin because his opponent did not concede the 2020 election results, in the 4th District and in the presidential race.
“Reality is not simply what you want it to be,” McEachin wrote in an August letter to Benjamin.
In his current campaign Benjamin is emphasizing issues such as public safety, inflation and opposition to increasing taxes and the national debt.
On education, he believes “the money should follow the child” and parents should choose whether to educate their children at home, in private schools, in charter schools or in traditional public schools.
In a Facebook video earlier Saturday, Benjamin and his wife, Maria, urged voters to support him in the canvass.
“Give this man another chance,” Maria Benjamin said. “Three times [is] the charm.”
Democrats will choose their nominee Tuesday in a firehouse primary. The four candidates are Joe Morrissey and Jennifer McClellan, both state senators from Richmond; former Del. Joseph Preston, D-Petersburg and businessman Tavorise Marks.
Top 5 weekend events: Hardywood GBS Fest, Wonderland on Hull Street & holiday pop-up bars
HARDYWOOD GBS FEST
Saturday
‘Tis the season for Hardywood’s award-winning Gingerbread Stout. The beverage is so popular that Hardywood created a festival around it featuring visits with Santa (sold out), a s’mores pop-up, train rides, live music, local vendors and all Gingerbread Stout versions on draft. Noon-9 p.m. Hardywood Park West Creek, 820 Sanctuary Trail Drive. Free entry; pay as you go. (804) 418-3548 or Hardywood.com
WONDERLAND ON HULL STREET
Saturday
Head to Hatch Local Food Hall in Manchester for a holiday market featuring vendors selling artwork, handmade candles, jewelry, imported goods, baked goods and more. Plus inside, choose from the hall’s seven local food vendors, including Royal Pig and Buttermilk + Honey. Studio 23 will also be on-site with its truck doing live printing — so bring in totes, tees. And there will be specialty seasonal cocktails for shopping and sipping. Noon-6 p.m. 400 Hull St. Parking garage at 4 E. 5th St. free with two-hour validation. Free entry; pay as you go. www.instagram.com/hatchlocalfoodhall
HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS
Now open
Now is the time to belly up to the bar for pop-up holiday decorations and seasonally themed drinks. Check out Miracle on Cary at 3113 W. Cary St., The Evergreen at Birdie’s at 305 W. Broad St. and Rum and Reindeer at Island Shrimp Co. complete with heated igloos at 11 Orleans St., just to name a few. Check out our Holiday Bar Guide for a full rundown.
ILLUMINATE LIGHT SHOW
Through Jan. 1
Point your sleigh due north toward Doswell’s The Meadow Event Park and get comfy. You don’t even need to get out of the car to enjoy Virginia’s largest drive-thru synchronized holiday light and music show. The 20-to-45-minute joy ride through elaborate, illuminated displays ends at Santa’s Shop — where you can step out and check some boxes on your holiday list (but only if you want to). 5:30 p.m. daily. 13111 Dawn Blvd. (Gate 1). $30 per vehicle. IlluminateLightShow.com
‘ANNIE JR.’
Starts Saturday
Cadence Theatre is staging a holiday production of “Annie Jr.” adapted from the Broadway musical and featuring some of Richmond’s young artists. Select dates through Dec. 23; times vary. Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse at Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace St. Tickets start at $40. (800) 514-3849 or https://cadencetheatre.org/annie-jr
