Virginia House GOP Picks Todd Gilbert as Speaker, Terry Kilgore as Majority Leader

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (Metered Paywall)

House Republicans on Sunday selected Del. Todd Gilbert of Shenandoah to become the next speaker of the House of Delegates when the GOP retakes control of the lower chamber in January.

Gilbert, who led the caucus as minority leader for the past two years, will replace House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, who became the first female speaker in 2020 and will hand over the gavel after a two-year tenure.

While two close House contests could head for recounts after the State Board of Elections certifies results on Monday, Republicans appear in line to hold a 52-48 majority when the session starts in January.

Gilbert will be flanked by Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, whom the caucus selected as its majority leader. Shortly after election night, Kilgore announced he intended to run for speaker, but days before Sunday’s meeting, Gilbert and Kilgore said they had come to an understanding and would not jostle and put the speakership to a vote.

Read more