Longtime delegate Steve Landes to help with Northam's gubernatorial transition

Delegate Steve Landes, who has served as a Republican representing Virginia 25th District in the House of Delegates since 1996, has been named to serve on the Transition Committee of Democratic Governor-elect Ralph Northam.

Landes recently won re-election, handily beating Angela Lynn by 16 points. After the election, he

and said he plans to focus on jobs, job creation, education reform, and economic development in his new term.

Not long after the election, U.S. Representative Bob Goodlatte announced that he

, leading some to speculate that Landes, who had represented Goodlatte, would run for Congress.

In response, Landes issued a statement, saying, in part, "After speaking with my family, friends and supporters, and much prayerful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that serving in the Virginia House of Delegates is the best way for me to serve the Commonwealth and the people of the 25th House District."

This is yet another term for Landes working with a governor of the opposite party, but he expressed appreciation for Northam's decision to have representation from the Shenandoah Valley.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Governor-elect’s Transition Committee and I am especially grateful to him for having representation from the Shenandoah Valley,” said Landes. “There are many challenges facing us, and I look forward to serving on the Committee and providing my input to Governor-elect Northam and the distinguished members of the Transition Committee to help develop the policies that will help Virginia grow its economy, provide our students the best education possible, and improve healthcare access, affordability and choice.”

Landes represents the 25th House District, which includes parts of Albemarle, Augusta, and Rockingham Counties. In the most recent General Assembly session, he introduced a

designed to bar public institutions of higher education from prohibiting anyone's free speech.

“I am honored to have the help of such a great group of Virginians as we build an administration that reflects Virginia and takes our Commonwealth to the next level,” said Governor-elect Northam. “We have a tremendous opportunity over the next four years to make a positive difference in the lives of Virginians, and to create opportunity for every Virginian, no matter who you are, no matter where you live. I look forward to hitting the ground running to do just that.”