OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
A conservative GOP lawmaker has passed away following last month’s midterms, which now means that there will have to be a special election to fill his seat. Virginia Delegate Ronnie Campbell, who has a long history of public service to his state, passed away at the age of 68 on Tuesday. Reports said he died after a bout with cancer.
According to reports, Campbell worked as a state trooper and served as a Rockbridge County supervisor and board member, in addition to being a state legislator.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Delegate Ronnie Campbell, after a hard-fought battle with cancer,” said a statement posted to his social media accounts, per WSLS. Delegate Campbell was a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. From his time in the Virginia State Police to his time in the House of Delegates, Ronnie served with honor and relentlessly fought for the best interests of others. While he is no longer with us, he will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone touched by him. The family asks for privacy at this time. Arrangements will be made over the next few days.”
He was elected to the Virginia State Legislature in 2018. The Washington Post reported that Campbell focused much of his legislative attention on law enforcement and protecting gun rights. A number of elected officials posted words of remembrance and condolences on social media.
Conservative Lawmaker Dies at 68, Special Election to Be Held via @WestJournalism https://t.co/S0duSE6aMF Virginia Delegate Ronnie Campbell, a conservative with an extensive record of public service, died from cancer on Tuesday at 68.
— DingMeDangMe (@DingMeDangMe) December 16, 2022
“Suzanne and I are saddened to learn of Delegate Campbell’s passing. Ronnie served the Commonwealth he loved in so many ways: as a State Trooper for over two decades, on the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors & School Board, and in the House of Delegates,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) wrote on Twitter.
He cared deeply about his community, the Commonwealth, law enforcement, and above all his wife, Ellen, and their family.
Suzanne and I are praying for the entire Campbell family during this difficult time.
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) December 13, 2022
“He cared deeply about his community, the Commonwealth, law enforcement, and above all his wife, Ellen, and their family. Suzanne and I are praying for the entire Campbell family during this difficult time,” Youngkin added.
In a Facebook post, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears (R) noted:
Our friend, Del, Ronnie Campbell is now in the presence of God! To his family I say, now comes the time when we search the word of God for comfort and assurance.
Paul tells us this: “…Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far….” (Phil 1:21-23)
“Our friends, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as are those who have no hope.
14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him.
15 What we are teaching you now is the Lord’s teaching: we who are alive on the day the Lord comes will not go ahead of those who have died.
16 There will be the shout of command, the archangel’s voice, the sound of God’s trumpet, and the Lord himself will come down from heaven. Those who have died believing in Christ will rise to life first;
17 then we who are living at that time will be gathered up along with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.
18 So then, encourage one another with these words.”
(1 Thess 4:13-16)
Be comforted, family!
The Virginia House Republican Caucus added: “Our entire Caucus is saddened at the passing of our friend and colleague Delegate Ronnie Campbell. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Our entire Caucus is saddened at the passing of our friend and colleague Delegate Ronnie Campbell. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
— House GOP Leader’s Office (@VaHODGOPLeader) December 13, 2022
U.S. Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.), noted as well: “His repeated successful runs for local office led to his election to the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 24th House District. Ronnie spent countless hours devoted to public service. We shared the privilege of representing the 24th House District, and he will long be remembered by the people of the District. Elizabeth and I are praying for the Campbell family during this difficult time.”
