With Williams Out, Douglass is Presumed 5th District Democratic Nominee

Press Release

Democrat John Douglass will face off against Rep. Robert Hurt this fall after fellow Democrat Peyton R. Williams Jr. conceded the party nomination on Saturday.

"Today, I am announcing that I am suspending my campaign for the Democratic nomination in Virginia's 5th Congressional District in 2012," Williams said in a statement released Saturday morning. "I have spoken with John Douglass to congratulate him on a campaign well run, and to concede that he has the delegates to become the nominee at the district convention. The important thing now, as always, is to re-elect President Obama, elect Tim Kaine to the U.S. Senate and support John Douglass's campaign to defeat Robert Hurt."

After a strong showing in Democratic caucuses around the district, Douglass built up an insurmountable delegate lead ahead of the May 19 party convention in Nelson County, when the nomination will become official.

"I greatly respect Peyton for helping to unify our party by expressing his support for my congressional campaign, after a challenging contest that has helped boost Democratic enthusiasm throughout our district," Douglass said in a statement following the concession. "I really enjoyed getting to know Peyton on the trail and look forward to working together to help Democrats take back the House of Representatives."

Both men are retired military officers who went on to work in the private sector.

Williams, who lives in Charlottesville, announced his campaign in late January. Douglass, who owns a farm in Fauquier County, announced on March 6 that he was switching his congressional campaign from Northern Virginia's 10th District to the sprawling 5th District due to Virginia's recently adopted redistricting plan.

Hurt, R-Chatham, is ramping up his campaign efforts as he seeks reelection for the first time.

On Monday, the Hurt campaign will open offices in Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville and hold a campaign announcement in Warrenton. Hurt will be at the opening of the local office in Albemarle Square from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Monday.

Efforts to reach the Hurt campaign Saturday were unsuccessful.

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