By Brian Trompeter
As had been rumored for months, Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-McLean-Great Falls-Loudoun) announced Feb. 24 she would not be seeking a fifth term in November.
In remarks on the floor of the House of Delegates, Murphy said there were many reasons why she would be stepping down, but the key one was the recent death of her daughter.
“She has two babies that really need our attention,” said Murphy, who is married to lawyer and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority chairman William Sudow.
“I am proud of the work I’ve been able to do here,” Murphy told fellow delegates, citing bills regarding gun safety and female veterans.
Murphy thanked House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R-Woodstock) for allowing her to second his nomination.
“There’s a little glory here, guys. Take advantage of it when it comes your way,” she said. “But in the meantime, be good to each other, honor each other, because you’re all here for the right reason – although sometimes I wonder what your reasoning is.”
Murphy got some hearty laughter from that quip, but added, “I will miss you and I am grateful to all of you for being kind and thoughtful and good friends.”
Originally from Illinois, worked as an international-trade adviser at the U.S. Department of Commerce, did congressional-affairs work for the U.S. Agency for International Development and was a senior staffer for U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-Texas).
She also was deputy director for women’s outreach at the 2000 Democratic National Convention for Al Gore’s presidential campaign and served as president of a consulting company before being elected to the House of Delegates in a January 2015 special election.
Murphy in that election defeated Republican Craig Parisot to fill the unexpired term of former Del. Barbara Comstock (R), who had been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Murphy consistently faced challengers throughout her tenure. She beat Parisot again in November 2015 to win a full term, then defeated Cheryl Buford (R) in 2017, Gary Pan (R) in 2019 and, after besting Jennifer Adeli in the 2021 Democratic primary, beat Pan again in that fall’s election.
Murphy’s brother was murdered with a firearm and she introduced legislation each session with the intention of curbing gun-related violence.
Del. Rip Sullivan (D-McLean-Arlington) wished Murphy the best and said he expected she would continue her work as a servant leader.
“She has served in the House of Delegates with great distinction, tenacity, civility, class and grace,” Sullivan said in a Feb. 24 statement announcing his re-election bid. “Kathleen has been a leader on issues impacting countless lives in Virginia. Her work with women veterans, and her tireless efforts to reduce gun violence, have been inspiring to witness. I am proud to call her a colleague and friend.”
Murphy’s departure clears the way for Sullivan; as part of redistricting enacted last year, both were living in what will be known as the new 6th House District. So far, no opposition to Sullivan – Democratic, Republican or independent – has surfaced.
Murphy is among several General Assembly members, including Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw (D-Springfield) and Del. Kenneth Plum (D-Reston). who have announced they will step down this year.
