Updated: Englin Turns in Resignation, Endorses Gautney

Del. David Englin (D-45th) announced Thursday that he has submitted his resignation from the House of Delegates effective Aug. 31 and endorsed Karen Gautney to replace him.

In April, to focus on rebuilding his marriage and family. He admitted to being unfaithful to his wife.

In his resignation notice to Gov. Bob McDonnell, Englin said he hoped a special election for his seat would be held during the Nov. 6 General Election “to ensure the best possible stewardship of taxpayer resources.”

Englin endorsed Gautney, writing: "The people of the 45th District deserve a Delegate who is totally devoted to fighting for what's right and not distracted by future political ambitions. … Karen's diplomacy, wit and tough-minded integrity make her uniquely qualified to break through the disfunction [sic] in Richmond and deliver results. I urge everyone who has stood with me over the years as your Delegate to stand with Karen Gautney now and do everything you can to ensure she is the Democratic nominee for this seat.”

Gautney, an Alexandria resident, is former president of the Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association and former chairwoman of the Alexandria Commission on Human Rights.

and , both Democrats, have said they will run for Englin’s seat.

"State assemblies are ground zero in the fight for issues I am most passionate about. The last few years have brought forth a hard turn toward divisive politics and legislation that focus on winning the next election, not solving the needs of today and the challenges of tomorrow," Gautney said in a emailed statement to Patch. "More than ever, we need strong progressive voices to stand up for principles over politics. I have spent my life in service, both professionally and as a volunteer. My work, civic and life experiences have prepared me to bring a real world, common sense approach to issues such as the needs of military service members and veterans, women’s healthcare decisions, LGBT equality, law enforcement and corrections, safe learning environments in schools, and policies that affect children and working families."

Englin in a statement characterized the 45th District as "one of the most progressive communities in the Commonwealth" that should be "represented by somebody who is willing to stand up without fear to the anti-gay, anti-woman, anti-immigrant extremist social agenda being foisted by House Republicans."

He added that the district's representative “must not hesitate to voice the progressive ideals of the district in all matters before the House. Any candidate who enters this race as a stepping stone to statewide office will be too concerned with how his votes, positions, and agenda will play with future voters elsewhere who don't share our community's progressive values.” 

in the councilman’s failed bid for the 30th District state Senate seat in 2011. Krupicka, who is also a member of the State Board of Education, previously worked with Englin to craft . 

Editor's note: The original version of this article has been modified to state that Karen Gautney is former president of the Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association and former chairwoman of the Alexandria Commission on Human Rights.