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Noteworthy events involving Virginia's executive branch, 2019
In February 2019, a series of events unfolded involving the top three elected officials within Virginia's executive branch: Governor Ralph Northam (D), Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D), and state Attorney General Mark Herring (D).
On February 1, a website released a yearbook photo from Northam's medical school featuring a man in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan outfit. The photo appeared on a yearbook page with Northam's name on it and pictures featuring him.[1] Two sexual assault allegations against Fairfax were made public between February 3 and February 8.[2][3] And on February 6, Herring released a statement saying he wore blackface in college.[4]
Following the events, prominent Democrats called for the resignation of Northam and Fairfax. Northam said he was not in the yearbook photo, and Fairfax said the allegations against him were false.[5][3]
Both Northam and Fairfax said they would not resign. Northam began what he called a reconciliation tour on February 22, 2019.[6] Virginia's legislative session ended on February 24 without the state House of Representatives having settled a debate over whether to hold public committee hearings to receive testimony from Fairfax and the two women who accused him of assault.[7]
In Virginia, if a governor resigns, the lieutenant governor fills the position. Second in the line of succession, should the lieutenant governor also resign, is the attorney general. The speaker of the House of Delegates (at the time of the events, Republican Kirk Cox) is third in the line of succession.[8]
Timeline of Northam events
February 1, 2019: Yearbook photo published, Northam's statements
The conservative website Big League Politics released a photo of a page from Northam's 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook containing Northam's name and an image of two men, one in blackface and the other in a Ku Klux Klan robe.[1]
Northam released two statements that day. A written statement said,
| “ |
Earlier today, a website published a photograph of me from my 1984 medical school yearbook in a costume that is clearly racist and offensive. I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now. This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today and the values I have fought for throughout my career in the military, in medicine, and in public service. But I want to be clear, I understand how this decision shakes Virginians’ faith in that commitment. I recognize that it will take time and serious effort to heal the damage this conduct has caused. I am ready to do that important work. The first step is to offer my sincerest apology and to state my absolute commitment to living up to the expectations Virginians set for me when they elected me to be their Governor.[9][10] |
” |
Northam also released a video statement:
My fellow Virginians, earlier today I released a statement apologizing for behavior in my past that falls far short of the standard you set for me when you elected me to be your governor. I believe you deserve to hear directly from me. pic.twitter.com/1rSw1oxfrX
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) February 2, 2019
February 2, 2019: Northam held press conference
Northam held a press conference in which he said, upon further reflection, he believed "that I am not either of the people in that photo. I stand by my statement of apology to the many Virginians who were hurt by seeing this content on a yearbook page that belongs to me. ... It was my responsibility to recognize and prevent it from being published in the first place."
He said that he did not attend the party that the photo was taken at: "My belief that I did not wear that costume or attend that party stems in part from my clear memory of other mistakes I made in this same period of my life. That same year, I did participate in a dance contest in San Antonio, in which I darkened my face as part of a Michael Jackson costume."[5]
February 9, 2019: Northam discussed plans for rest of term
Northam said in an interview with The Washington Post that he planned to address issues of racial inequity during the remaining years of his term. The following are quotes from the interview:[11]
| “ |
I have a lot more to learn. . . . The more I know, the more I can do. ... I want to heal that pain, and I want to make sure that all Virginians have equal opportunity . . . and I think I’m the person that can do that for Virginia.[10] |
” |
| “ |
There are ongoing inequities to access to things like education, health care, mortgages, capital, entrepreneurship. And so this has been a real, I think, an awakening for Virginia. It has really raised the level of awareness for racial issues in Virginia. And so we’re ready to learn from our mistakes.[10] |
” |
| “ |
First of all what I plan to do . . . is to make sure that we have sensitivity training — in our Cabinet, in our agencies. I also plan to reach out to our colleges and universities and talk about sensitivity training. Even into the K through 12 age range, that’s very important.[10] |
” |
February 10, 2019: Northam said he wouldn't resign
In an interview with CBS' Face the Nation, Northam said, "I'm not going anywhere. ... I have thought about resigning, but I've also thought about what Virginia needs right now. And I really think that I'm in a position where I can take Virginia to the next level."[12]
May 22, 2019: Investigation into photo inconclusive
An investigation commissioned by the Eastern Virginia Medical School into whether Northam was in the yearbook photo concluded on May 22, 2019. The investigators' report stated, "We could not conclusively determine the identity of either individual depicted in the photograph." They also could not determine who placed the photo in the yearbook. The investigation included interviews with Northam and former classmates.[13]
Timeline of Fairfax events
February 3, 2019: Post from Vanessa Tyson published
Big League Politics posted a screenshot of a private social media post made by Scripps College professor Vanessa Tyson. Tyson's post said she was sexually assaulted by a campaign staffer at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, that the staffer had won a statewide election in 2017, and that he was on course to get a promotion. Big League Politics suggested that the person she was referring to was Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax.[2]
February 4, 2019: Fairfax responded to Tyson post
Fairfax's staff released the following statement:
— Justin Fairfax (@FairfaxJustin) February 4, 2019
The Washington Post wrote later that day that it did not publish the story in 2017 because it had not found corroborating evidence for the woman's story or similar stories regarding Fairfax, but the paper said it did not find red flags or inconsistencies as Fairfax's statement read.[14]
February 6, 2019: Tyson detailed sexual assault allegations
Vanessa Tyson released a statement detailing sexual assault allegations against Fairfax. Her statement read, in part,
| “ |
Since October 2017 when I first began telling friends about the assault, I have never wavered in my account because I am telling the truth. I have no political motive. I am a proud Democrat. My only motive in speaking now is to refute Mr. Fairfax’s falsehoods and aspersions of my character, and to provide what I believe is important information for Virginians to have as they make critical decisions that involve Mr. Fairfax. With tremendous anguish, I am now sharing this information about my experience and setting the record straight. It has been extremely difficult to relive that traumatic experience from 2004. Mr. Fairfax has tried to brand me as a liar to a national audience, in service to his political ambitions, and has threatened litigation. Given his false assertions, I’m compelled to make clear what happened. I very much wish to resume my life as an academic and professor. I do not want to get further embroiled in this highly charged political environment.[10] |
” |
Click here to read the full statement.
Fairfax said in response to Tyson's statement, "I have never done anything like what she suggests."[15]
February 8, 2019: Second woman accused Fairfax of sexual assault
Meredith Watson released a statement saying Fairfax had attacked her in a "premeditated and aggressive" assault in 2000 when they were students at Duke University.
Fairfax responded, "I deny this latest unsubstantiated allegation. ... It is demonstrably false. I have never forced myself on anyone ever. I demand a full investigation into these unsubstantiated and false allegations. Such an investigation will confirm my account because I am telling the truth."[3]
September 12, 2019: Fairfax filed defamation lawsuit
Fairfax filed a defamation lawsuit against CBS Broadcasting and CBS Corp., alleging they published false statements from the women who accused him of assault. The lawsuit concerns interviews the network conducted in February 2019 and was filed in the U.S. District Court in Virginia's Eastern District. The lawsuit said, "Fairfax brings this action to restore his reputation and clear his name, ensure the truth prevails, stop the weaponization of false allegations of sexual assault against him, and vindicate his rights under civil law."[16]
CBS News said in a statement, "We stand by our reporting and we will vigorously defend this lawsuit."[16]
On October 3, 2019, Fairfax filed an amended lawsuit alleging that Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, a former aide to Stoney, and the aide's wife were involved in the release of statements by Tyson. The amended lawsuit read, "The timing and circumstances of these false and salacious allegations demonstrate that it was a political hit job—a deliberate and calculated effort to permanently harm Fairfax’s political and professional career and to attempt to prevent him from becoming Governor of Virginia."[17]
Stoney said he was not involved in the release of Tyson's statement.[18] CBS filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on November 1, and a hearing was held December 6.[19] On February 11, 2020, a federal judged dismissed the suit, writing that Fairfax had "not plausibly alleged that CBS engaged in actionable defamation or published the challenged broadcasts with 'actual malice' or that CBS intentionally inflicted emotional distress."[20] Fairfax appealed the ruling.[21][22] The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case on March 11, 2021.[23] The court upheld the dismissal on June 23, 2021.[24]
Timeline of Herring events
February 6, 2019: AG Mark Herring said he wore blackface in college
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring released a statement that read, in part,
| “ |
In 1980, when I was a 19-year-old undergraduate in college, some friends suggested we attend a party dressed like rappers we listened to at the time, like Kurtis Blow, and perform a song. It sounds ridiculous even now writing it. But because of our ignorance and glib attitudes — and because we did not have an appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of others — we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup. This was a onetime occurrence and I accept full responsibility for my conduct. That conduct clearly shows that, as a young man, I had a callous and inexcusable lack of awareness and insensitivity to the pain my behavior could inflict on others. It was really a minimization of both people of color, and a minimization of a horrific history I knew well even then.[10] |
” |
Click here to read the full statement.
Herring had called for Northam to resign over the yearbook photo on Feb. 2.[4]
Responses
Below are curated responses from prominent Virginia and national Democrats regarding the Northam yearbook photo, the sexual assault allegations against Fairfax, and Herring's statement.
Responses to Northam events
Calls to resign
Below are curated responses from prominent Virginia and national Democrats.
| Calls for Northam to resign | ||
|---|---|---|
| Person/Group | Statement | |
| Virginia House Democrats | "We are so deeply saddened by the news that has been revealed today. We are having trouble reconciling our experience with Governor Northam with what we see in the photo. The Governor Northam we know is a great friend and ally, who has served and dedicated himself to our Commonwealth and the nation. However, constituents’ trust in their elected officials is paramount. We regret to say that we are no longer confident in the Governor’s representation of Virginians. Though it brings us no joy to do so, we must call for Governor Northam’s resignation." | |
| Virginia Legislative Black Caucus | The group said following Northam's Feb. 2 press conference: "We amplify our call for the Governor to resign. ... This protracted exercise has been a painful, embarrassing trial for Virginians and the country as a whole." | |
| Congressional Black Caucus | "Maya Angelou once said 'when you know better, you do better.' Ralph Northam has had three decades to know better but only now does he acknowledge this racist act. An apology now isn't enough. He must resign." | |
| Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez | "Virginians and people across the country deserve better from their leaders, and it is clear that Ralph Northam has lost their trust and his ability to govern." | |
| Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring (D) | "It is no longer possible for Governor Northam to lead our Commonwealth and it is time for him to step down." | |
| Sen. Mark Warner, Sen. Tim Kaine and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) | "In a joint statement following Northam's Feb. 2 press conference: "After we watched his press conference today, we called Governor Northam to tell him that we no longer believe he can effectively serve as Governor of Virginia and that he must resign." | |
| Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) | "It’s past time. Governor Northam should resign so Virginia can move forward." | |
| U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) | "The photo is racist and contrary to fundamental American values. I join my colleagues in Virginia calling on Governor Northam to do the right thing so that the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia can heal and move forward." | |
| Reps. Don Beyer and Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) | "Virginia has a painful past where racism was too often not called out for its evil. The only way to overcome that history is to speak and act with absolute moral clarity. It is for that reason the governor must step aside..." | |
| Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) | "The Governor needs to resign. We’ve spoken twice since this story broke, and I encouraged him to resign because it's what's best for Virginia." | |
| Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Va.) | "I ask Governor Northam to resign. This isn’t about politics, this is about what is right and wrong." | |
| Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) | "Governor Northam must resign and fully acknowledge the painful past these images evoke. Bigotry has no place in Virginia." | |
| Rep. Don McEachin (D-Va.) | "I am so deeply disappointed and dismayed by the horrific picture of Governor Northam that surfaced today. Four hundred years ago, Africans arrived in this country, enslaved and kept as slaves for over two hundred years. Systemic racism is still endemic today in every part of America. Virginia has a particularly sordid history with racism from the first enslaved Africans on our shores, to the capital of the Confederacy to Massive resistance to the struggles African-American Virginians face today. In light of that stain on our Commonwealth and the work that still needs to be done, I ask the governor to step aside." | |
| Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) | "The situation that he has put himself and the Commonwealth of Virginia in is untenable. It's time for Ralph to step down, and for the Commonwealth to move forward." | |
| Former Gov. Douglas Wilder (D) | "I stated, earlier, that Gov. Northam’s continuing in office was his choice to make. It is difficult for anyone who watched the press conference today to conclude that he has any other choice ... but to resign." | |
Support for Northam
| Support for Northam | ||
|---|---|---|
| Person/Group | Statement | |
| Virginia Senate Minority Leader Richard Saslaw (D-Va.) | "His whole life has been about exactly the opposite and that’s what you need to examine, not something that occurred 30 years ago. While it’s in very poor taste, I would think no one in the General Assembly who would like their college conduct examined. I would hate to have to go back and examine my two years in the Army. Trust me. I was 18 years old and I was a handful, OK? His life since then has been anything but. It’s been a life of helping people, and many times for free." | |
Responses to Fairfax events
Responses after first assault allegation
| Responses following first Fairfax allegation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Person/Group | Statement | |
| Joint statement from Democratic members of Virginia's U.S. Congressional delegation | "We are deeply disturbed by the account detailing the alleged actions of Lieutenant Governor Fairfax. We believe these allegations need to be taken very seriously, and we respect the right of women to come forward and be heard. We will continue in dialogue with one another and our constituents in the coming days, and evaluate additional information as it comes to light." | |
| Virginia Legislative Black Caucus | "The Caucus also recognizes the need to address the troubling allegations leveled against Lt. Gov. Fairfax. Sexual assault is a very serious offense, and we believe that all allegations of sexual assault must be fully and thoroughly investigated by the appropriate agencies. We believe that victims deserve to have their claims taken seriously. And we believe that anyone accused of such a grievous act must receive the due process prescribed by the Constitution. We support, and we expect, justice to be meted out fairly for all involved in this situation and will continue to monitor it closely and act accordingly." | |
Responses after second assault allegation
Calls to resign
| Calls for Fairfax to resign | ||
|---|---|---|
| Person/Group | Statement | |
| Democratic Party of Virginia | "We believe that allegations of sexual assault must be taken with the utmost seriousness. Given the credible nature of the sexual assault claims against Lieutenant Governor Fairfax, it has become clear he can no longer fulfill the duties and responsibilities of his post. While the Lieutenant Governor deserves due process in this matter, it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth that he goes through this process as a private citizen. The Lieutenant Governor no longer has our confidence or support. He must resign." | |
| U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D) | "Lieutenant Governor Fairfax should resign. The allegations against him detail atrocious crimes, and he can no longer effectively serve the Commonwealth. We cannot ever ignore or tolerate sexual assault." | |
| Joint statement from Democratic U.S. Reps. Spanberger, Beyer, Luria, Wexton, and Connolly | "We believe Dr. Vanessa Tyson. We found her account compelling and highly credible. The central issue at the heart of her account is consent, and there can be no better authority to decide whether it was given than Dr. Tyson herself. Meredith Watson's statement describes another extremely disturbing incident, which lends further credence to Dr. Tyson's story. ... [Fairfax] reportedly used vile and degrading language to describe [his accuser], he mischaracterized an investigation into the encounter, and he sought to blame others for events in his own past. These actions do not meet the standard to which we hold Virginia’s highest elected officers." | |
| U.S. Rep. McEachin (D) | "Given recent developments, I believe that it is best for the Commonwealth of Virginia if Justin Fairfax dealt with these accusations as a private citizen. He can no longer serve us as the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia." | |
| Virginia Black Legislative Caucus | "In light of the most recent sexual assault allegations against Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus believe it is best for Lt. Governor Fairfax to step down from his position. We remain steadfast in our conviction that every allegation of sexual assault or misconduct be treated with the utmost seriousness. While we believe that anyone accused of such grievous and harmful act must receive the due process prescribed by the Constitution, we can't see it in the best interest of the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Lieutenant Governor to remain in his role." | |
Support for Fairfax and other statements
| Other statements on Fairfax | ||
|---|---|---|
| Person/Group | Statement | |
| Gov. Ralph Northam (D) | "These allegations are horrific, they need to be taken very seriously. Lieutenant Governor Fairfax has suggested and called for an investigation. I strongly support that." | |
| Virginia NAACP Executive Committee Member Phillip Thompson | "Imagine my horror when I heard that different Democratic groups and individual Democrats were calling for Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax’s resignation based on allegations of sexual assault. The clear facts are that Mr. Fairfax states that the allegations are false. These allegations have not been substantiated in any way." | |
Responses to Herring events
| Responses to Herring statement | ||
|---|---|---|
| Person/Group | Statement | |
| Joint statement from Democratic members of Virginia's U.S. Congressional delegation | "Yesterday, we were shocked and saddened to learn of the incident in the Attorney General’s past. The Attorney General has earnestly reached out to each of us to apologize and express his deep remorse. We understand that he is currently engaged in in-depth discussions with leaders and others in Virginia. The Attorney General must continue those conversations, and stand ready to answer questions from the public if he is to regain their trust." | |
| Virginia Legislative Black Caucus | "Every member of the Caucus and many of our colleagues in the Capitol were pained by the revelations of Gov. Northam’s and Attorney General Herring’s past behavior. Those actions showed a tremendous lack of judgment and compassion for Virginia’s black residents and unacceptable ignorance of some of our Commonwealth’s most historically painful chapters. While we appreciate the candor of Attorney General Herring’s disclosure, we await further action on his part to reassure the citizens of the Commonwealth of his fitness for leadership." | |
Polling
Washington Post-Schar School poll
The Washington Post and George Mason University's Schar School released a poll on February 9, 2019, in which 47 percent of Virginia adults polled said they thought Northam should step down as governor and 47 percent said he should not. Six percent had no opinion. The survey asked questions about Northam's record and the yearbook photo story, then asked, "Considering everything, do you think Northam should step down as Governor of Virginia, or not?" A total of 706 Virginia adults were polled, and the poll had a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points.[25]
Quinnipiac University poll
Quinnipiac University conducted a survey Feb.14-18 asking respondents whether Northam, Fairfax, and Herring should each resign or be impeached.
To the question, "Do you think Ralph Northam should resign his position as governor of Virginia, or don't you think so?" 42 percent said yes and 48 percent said no, while 10 percent didn't know or offered a different response. Asked whether he should be impeached, 65 percent said no.
To the question, "Do you think Justin Fairfax should resign his position as lieutenant governor of Virginia, or don't you think so?" 36 percent said yes, 36 percent said no, and 28 percent said they didn't know or offered a different response. Asked whether he should be impeached, 54 percent said no.
And to the question, "Do you think Mark Herring should resign his position as attorney general of Virginia, or don't you think so?" 22 percent said yes, 54 percent said no, and 24 percent didn't know or offered a different response. Asked whether he should be impeached, 63 percent said no.
A total of 1,150 Virginia voters were polled, and the poll had a margin of error of 4.2 percentage points.[26]
University of Virginia/Ipsos poll
A poll conducted between Feb. 15 and 19 asked participants whether Northam, Fairfax, and Herring should each resign or be impeached.
The poll asked the following: "Recently, a photo from Governor Northam’s medical school yearbook page from 1984 emerged showing two people, one in a Ku Klux Klan costume and another dressed in blackface. Northam acknowledged he had appeared in blackface at a singing competition impersonating Michael Jackson that same year but denied being in the photo.Do you believe Governor Northam should resign as Governor?" To that, 31 percent said he should resign, 43 percent said he shouldn't, and 21 percent were not sure. When asked if the state legislature should impeach Northam, 56 percent said no.
The poll also asked this: "Recently, Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has been accused by two different women of sexual assaults in the early 2000s. Fairfax has said the sexual encounters were consensual. Do you believe Lieutenant Governor Fairfax should resign?" To this question, 35 percent said yes, 25 percent said no, and 34 weren't sure. When asked if the state legislature should impeach Fairfax, 33 percent said no, and 33 percent were unsure.
The poll asked, "Recently, Attorney General Mark Herring admitted to wearing blackface when he was 19 as a way of imitating an African-American rapper. Do you believe Herring should resign?" 56 percent said he shouldn't, 19 percent said he should, and 19 percent weren't sure. Asked whether the state legislature should impeach him, 61 percent said no.
The poll included 636 Virginia residents and had a margin of error of 4.0 percentage points.[27]
Roanoke College poll
A poll conducted between Feb. 10 and 20 asked Virginia residents whether Northam, Fairfax, and Herring should each resign.
The survey asked, "As you may know, in the past weeks, Governor Northam has admitted to wearing blackface once to a party. Also, a photo of a man dressed in blackface and another in a KKK robe were found on his page in his medical school yearbook. Given what you know right now, should Ralph Northam resign as governor of Virginia?" A total of 41 percent said yes, 44 percent said no, and 16 percent were either unsure, refused to answer, or said it depended.
The survey asked, "Attorney General Mark Herring has also admitted that he had dressed in blackface at a party. Given what you know right now, should Mark Herring resign as attorney general of Virginia?" A total of 33 percent said yes, 49 percent said no, and 19 percent were unsure, refused to answer, or said it depended.
The survey also asked, "As you may also know, Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has been accused of sexual assault in encounters with two different women. He claims that the encounters were consensual. Given what you know right now, should Justin Fairfax resign as lieutenant governor of Virginia?" A total of 31 percent said yes, 40 percent said no, and 29 percent were unsure, refused to answer, or said it depended.
The poll included responses from 598 Virginia residents and had a margin of error of 4.0 percentage points.[28]
Constitutional line of succession
Article 5 Section 16 of Virginia’s state constitution states the following:
| “ |
In the case of the removal of the Governor from office or in the case of his disqualification, death, or resignation, the Lieutenant Governor shall become Governor. If a vacancy exists in the office of Lieutenant Governor when the Lieutenant Governor is to succeed to the office of Governor or to serve as Acting Governor, the Attorney General, if he is eligible to serve as Governor, shall succeed to the office of Governor for the unexpired term or serve as Acting Governor. If the Attorney General is ineligible to serve as Governor, the Speaker of the House of Delegates, if he is eligible to serve as Governor, shall succeed to the office of Governor for the unexpired term or serve as Acting Governor. [29][10] |
” |
In the event of a gubernatorial vacancy in 2019, Lt. Governor Fairfax (D) would have been first in line to succeed Governor Northam (D), followed by Attorney General Herring (D) and Speaker of the House Kirk Cox (R). As per the state constitution, if Virginia's lieutenant governor, attorney general, and speaker of the house are not eligible to assume office, the house of delegates must elect the governor’s replacement.[29]
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Big League Politics, "YEARBOOK: Ralph Northam In Blackface & KKK Photo," February 1, 2019
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Big League Politics, "UPDATE: Stanford Fellow Hints At Possible Justin Fairfax Sex Assault," February 3, 2019
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 The Associated Press, "2nd woman accuses Virginia official of sexual assault," February 9, 2019
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 CNBC, "Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, third in line for governor, wore blackface in college," February 6, 2019
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 CNN, "Northam denies being in racist photo but recalls darkening his skin in Michael Jackson dance contest in 1984," February 2, 2019
- ↑ Atlanta Black Star, "Virginia Gov. Northam Meets With Civil Rights Leaders," February 22, 2019
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Amid sexual assault claims and blackface scandals, Va. legislature wraps up session," February 24, 2019
- ↑ NPR, "On The Order Of Succession In Virginia," February 7, 2019
- ↑ Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam, "Governor Northam Statement on Offensive Photo," February 1, 2019
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Va. Gov. Ralph Northam says he wants to focus rest of his term on racial equity," February 9, 2019
- ↑ CBS News, "'I'm not going anywhere': Northam vows to remain in office despite calls to resign," February 10, 2019
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Investigators could not determine if Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is in racist yearbook photo," May 22, 2019
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Va. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax denies sex assault allegation from 2004," February 4, 2019
- ↑ CNBC, "Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax's accuser Vanessa Tyson discloses graphic details of alleged sexual assault," February 6, 2019
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 The Hill, "Virginia Lt. Gov. Fairfax files $400 million defamation suit against CBS," September 12, 2019
- ↑ WAVY, "Lt. Gov. Fairfax claims political rivals helped release initial sexual assault allegation," October 3, 2019
- ↑ Richmond Free Press, "Lt. Gov. Fairfax files amended suit in $400M defamation case," October 11, 2019
- ↑ Associated Press, "Virginia Lt. Gov. Sues CBS for Airing Sexual Assault Accusations," December 7, 2019
- ↑ [cnn.com/2020/02/11/media/cbs-justin-fairfax-lawsuit/index.html CNN, "Judge dismisses Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax's lawsuit against CBS," February 11, 2020]
- ↑ Law.com, "Justin Fairfax Swaps Lawyers as Appeal in CBS Defamation Case Moves Forward," May 27, 2020
- ↑ WRIC, "Lt. Gov. Fairfax appeals dismissal of defamation suit over CBS interviews on sexual assault allegations," July 28, 2020
- ↑ WAVY, "Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax’s defamation lawsuit gets another hearing in sexual assault scandal," March 11, 2021
- ↑ Richmond Times-Dispatch, "Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax defamation suit dismissal upheld by federal appeals court," June 23, 2021
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Washington Post-Schar School Virginia poll Feb. 6-8," February 9, 2019
- ↑ Quinnipiac University, "Almost Half Of Virginia Voters Say Gov Should Not Quit, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Voters Split On Whether Fairfax Should Resign," February 20, 2019
- ↑ Ipsos, "Sentiment Towards Virginia Government, Ipsos Public Affairs Research with UVA Center for Politics," February 20, 2019
- ↑ Roanoke College, "RC Poll: Virginians think Northam, Fairfax and Herring should stay," February 26, 2019
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Virginia’s Legislative Information System, “Constitution of Virginia," accessed February 11, 2019
