Del. David Englin (D-45th) announced his resignation Monday night during a meeting of the Alexandria Democratic Committee at .
“Today I’m announcing that this will be my last term in elected office, and I will not be seeking re-election,” he told the audience. “In my public role, I’ve worked hard to serve my constituents. In my personal life, I’ve let down my family. Shayna and I have recently separated. Shayna has always been the true source of my strength and my happiness. I will leave political life to focus on rebuilding what is first and foremost important to me: My marriage and my family.”
In a statement released after the meeting, Englin wrote that he was "unfaithful" in his marriage.
Englin added that attention soon will turn to choosing his successor. “Our community is blessed with many strong, principled energetic and talented Democrats who are willing to step up and serve in public life,” he said. “When I first ran I was 30 years old, fresh out of the Air Force. It was a race that for me everyone said was unwinnable, but we won. I want you to remember that as candidates emerge to succeed me. No matter how impropobable your candidacy may seem to others, I urge you to consider stepping forward to serve.”
Englin's term runs out at the end of 2013.
ADC Chair Dak Hardwick called Englin's announcement "a loss to residents of Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax" and said the committee is currently "laser-focused" on the 2012 elections.
"Del. Englin continues to be the delegate to the 45th District," Hardwick said. "As we move to 2013, we'll start looking at candidates. ... We have so many leaders in that district, the list of potential candidates who would be exemplary is too long to mention."
Hardwick said the committee wishes Englin and his family well.
"We have a large Democratic family and we are here for whatever support he and his family need," Hardwick said.
Englin has served in Virginia’s General Assembly since 2005, now serving his fourth term. He represents parts of Alexandria as well as some of Arlington and Fairfax counties. He ran unopposed for re-election in 2011.
Englin has worked on environmental, education and health care issues, among other things.
He currently serves on several committees, including Health, Welfare and Institutions; Finance; and Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources.
In 2005, he won a six-way primary replacing Del. Marian Van Landingham, who was also in attendance at the ADC’s Monday night meeting.
Marianne Anderson