State Central Committee Message Regarding Proposed Amendment
Message from RPV Chairman, Jeff Ryer
Dear Members of the State Central Committee:
Thank you for attending yesterday’s meeting (May30,2026) whether in person or by proxy. I am especially grateful for your engaging and informed participation in the discussions regarding important issues confronting the Party this year.
I want to clarify any potential confusion regarding the actions taken at yesterday's meeting, specifically those related to the three proposed Amendments to the Constitution of Virginia on the ballot this November. While much of our discussion occurred in Executive Session – and it is imperative members and their proxies strictly comply with the rules governing closed sessions – several key motions were made once we returned to open session. Below is an outline of those motions, a summary of the actions taken, and our next steps.
1. The Main Motion
After providing electronic notice to the members on Friday, 6th District Representative Willie Deutsch offered the following motion:
“I move the Virginia GOP opposes the passage of all three Constitutional Amendments on the November 2026 ballot and encourages all Virginians to do the same.”
2. The Substitute Motion
Subsequent to the main motion, 3rd District Representative Carole DeTriquet offered a substitute motion:“I move that RPV staff be directed to create and distribute a specialized toolkit instructing all unit committees on how to properly take a position on Constitutional Amendments, inclusive of advocacy organization contacts, sample ballot guidelines, and related resources."
3. The Motion to Refer
Following Carole’s motion, 3rd District Representative Cliff Dunn offered a motion to refer. As a subsidiary motion, this takes precedence over the main and substitute motions, requiring a vote before their further consideration. Cliff’s motion effectively referred the entire matter to the Resolutions Committee with specific instructions to seek input from RPV Unit Chairs and prepare a report. “I move to refer the main and substitute motions to the SCC Resolutions Committee with a mandate to consult with local units and report back for the August meeting.”
Outcome and Next Steps:
By a standing vote of 32 to 30, Cliff Dunn’s motion to refer was approved. Neither Willie’s motion nor Carole’s was defeated, but were instead referred to a subcommittee for review, consideration, and, ultimately, recommendation(s). This is not the equivalent of taking no action regarding the Party’s stance on these proposed amendments.
As members know from my years of service as Chairman of the Party Plan Committee, I do not believe in “kill committees.” As RPV Chairman, my position on that has not changed. Resolutions Committee Chairman and 2nd District Representative Elizabeth Lankford already expressed to the members at yesterday’s meeting her commitment to act expeditiously in fulfilling the SCC’s mandate given at yesterday’s meeting. I can now report that, in all likelihood, this matter will be back before us very, very soon.
When we adjourned yesterday, we did so to reconvene on June 13 for the purpose of hearing a timely appeal. Since leaving yesterday’s meeting, including throughout today, I have received multiple contacts indicating that, at minimum, one appeal will be filed regarding yesterday’s Canvass for Lynchburg City Council. I consulted with 5th District Chairman Rick Buchanan on this prospect last evening. Rick indicated he would exercise his prerogative by not calling a meeting of the 5th District Committee prior to June 13. As a result, this appeal will come directly to SCC, an Appeals Committee will be expeditiously appointed, and there is a very high likelihood we will be reconvening on June 13.
Chairman Lankford informed SCC yesterday that the Resolutions Committee would report back in time for our reconvening on June 13. At that time, we will consider the report of the Committee, and further determinations will be made by SCC concerning the proposed amendments.
We’ll have information regarding a location for our likely June 13 meeting as soon as it becomes available.
Thanks.
Jeff Ryer
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Rep. Rob Wittman on becoming the Republican nominee for the Virginia 1st Congressional District this November!
Congressman Wittman has worked tirelessly to deliver for Virginia families, including through his support for the Working Families Tax Cuts that delivered historic relief for Virginians this tax season.
We look forward to working alongside Congressman Wittman to bring his record of common-sense conservative successes directly to voters.
State-level Republican Elected Officials
Delegate, Keith Hodges
Congressman, Rob Wittman
Senator, Richard Stuart
Keith Hodges is the District Delegate for Middlesex and surrounding area. He is a long-time resident of Urbanna. “My roots run deep on the Middle Peninsula,” Hodges said. “I grew up here, as did my parents and grandparents. I spent my college summers working at the mill and enjoyed a childhood fishing, hunting, and living the American dream in the heart of the 68th District.”
Senator, Richard Stuart
Congressman, Rob Wittman
Senator, Richard Stuart
“It is my honor to be your Senator.
I am focused on issues that matter to our district and providing real solutions. It is the Virginia way.” — Richard Stuart
Congressman, Rob Wittman
Congressman, Rob Wittman
Congressman, Rob Wittman
Congressman Rob Wittman has served the residents of the 1st Congressional District since 2007. He was re-elected to his eighth full term in 2024. Congratulations to Rep. Rob Wittman on becoming the Republican nominee for the Virginia 1st Congressional District this November!
The Republican Party of Virginia
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