Virginia state Sen. Mark Peake said Monday he is stepping down as chairman of the Virginia Republican Party, citing a need to focus on next year’s legislative session.
Peake stepped into the position earlier this year after President Donald Trump nominated former Chairman Rich Anderson to be the Air Force’s assistant secretary. Since then, the Virginia GOP suffered losses in November, losing all three of the top races in the state, while the state Democratic Party gained 13 seats in the House of Delegates.
Peake said his decision came “after much reflection, prayer, and conversations” with family. He will step down from his position at the end of the year.
“Our ideas are strong, our voters are energized, and our mission – to secure a freer, safer, more prosperous Virginia – endures. I believe that the foundations of our party remain strong, and that this organization is filled with passionate individuals who have proven their loyalty to our Commonwealth and to the conservative movement,” Peak’s letter of resignation, sent to Virginia Republican leaders, read.
Arlington GOP Chairman Matthew Hurtt told the Washington Examiner it is “appropriate for someone to be held accountable” after an election cycle like November’s, but said he “can’t say” Peake was at fault for a lot of the election results.
“Republicans were always facing headwinds in the 2025 election in Virginia, but somebody has to take the fall in politics for results in the election like we had,” Hurtt said.
Hurtt added that Peake’s decision gives the state’s Republican Party the chance to find someone who can “breathe life” into it after November’s elections. While he is not “remotely” interested in becoming the next Virginia GOP chair, he suspects the Virginia GOP Advance, to be held in Williamsburg this weekend, could shed light on who is.
Loudoun GOP Chairman Scott Pio, who called for Peake’s resignation days after the party’s massive losses, thanked Peake for his decision, but said on X the current chairman needs to step down “this week.” Like Hurtt, Pio said he is not interested in becoming the new chair, but did say he spoke to someone whom he referred to as the “next” chair on Monday night and has “full faith and belief” this unnamed individual will be well-suited.
Republican Party of Virginia Vice Chairwoman Kristi Way will serve as acting chairwoman until the state central committee can select a new chair.
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Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) said last month he won’t run for Senate in next year’s midterm elections, though he hasn’t ruled out a possible 2028 presidential run. The sitting governor couldn’t seek reelection this year, as Virginia forbids governors from serving consecutive terms; he could run for governor again in 2029.
The Washington Examiner contacted Pio for comment.
