Dear Friends and Virginians:
Two things can be true at once.
Last week, my former Senate colleague Justin Fairfax shot his wife Cerina, an accomplished dentist and loving mother, and then killed himself. It was a malicious and cowardly act, which goes against every principle of his professed identity as a husband, father and Christian. Nothing will ever excuse it.
Seven years ago, Justin was also the subject of one of the most brutal cancellations in Virginia political history, which left him without a public office or even viable employment. That occurred without any “fairness” or “due process.” It was difficult to watch, and I had a front row seat.
Both things are true.
In 2013, Justin was a young attorney (barely thirty four years old), who wanted to run for Attorney General. He and Cerina lived in the “Camelot” subdivision in the 34th Senate District, and we connected quickly. On the one hand, he was all enthusiasm and no experience; on the other hand, he was a fresh alternative to the “old boy” network that had dominated Virginia Democratic politics for years.
A few years later, Justin wanted to run again – this time for LG. I still remember the phone call: Sharon and I were catching a plane to London. He wanted my endorsement before we left. I gladly gave it. Justin went on to win the nomination, then easily won the 2017 race. He was the heir apparent to the Governor’s mansion – the next big thing.
Then came the 2019 session …
It all began with a Democratic bill to expand the scope of third-term abortions. In a late January radio interview, Governor Northam talked about delivering babies – then letting them expire, which seemed an odd statement for a pediatrician. Outrage ensued.
On Friday afternoon, February 1, I was driving back home from Richmond when I got a frantic call from my political director. Like everyone else in America, I first saw the notorious yearbook photo that day. It was the shit storm of the century, and everyone jumped on board. I was the only Democrat (in the world?), who didn’t call for the Governor’s resignation that weekend. Ironically, I was moved by a comment at First Baptist of Vienna, an historically black church, about the importance of forgiveness. But I digress …
While all this was going on, Justin Fairfax was an obvious choice to become the next Governor of Virginia, once Northam resigned. It made perfect sense: a racist photo leads to the elevation of a promising Black politician.
But something else was happening. Over the weekend, a cryptic Facebook post had intimated that a “Me Too” revelation was about to break. On Monday there was a press conference with actual allegations. Then three days later, another woman and another press conference. I don’t remember the names of the accusers – it doesn’t matter now — but the take-down was executed to perfection. Justin went from the next Governor to the subject of a potential impeachment in just 72 hours.
I’ll leave it to others to explain why the decades-old accusations against Justin were believed, when similar allegations against Joe Biden or Bill Clinton were instantly discounted. But the effect on his political career was devastating.
For the next three years, Justin soldiered on as “the President” of the Senate.
Republicans and Democrats would all agree that he did a great job managing the Senate calendar under historically difficult circumstances, i.e. during the COVID19 shutdowns when the Senate continued to meet every day in person. I still have dozens of text messages from him during that time, e.g. asking me to “Call the Question” when the debates went on too long. He ran a tight ship.
After his tenure was over (and following a futile run for Governor), Justin was back to civilian life. He and I stayed in touch, last meeting for lunch in spring 2023. It was obvious that he was persona non grata with the big law firms – so he started his own practice. That’s not easy. A lot of upfront costs and no obvious path to profitability, especially if you’ve been on the sidelines for a few years.
The last time I touched base with Justin was a year ago. I had consoled him by text when Duke lost in the NCAA basketball tournament. A brief response. But then silence.
In an excellent piece in the Post by Laura Vozzella, I read that Justin had talked at length with former Governor Bob McDonnell last month. That was a good sign. Bob had gone through similar trials, but somehow survived it. Perhaps with time or a mentor Justin could have found a way. He was still comparatively young …
But instead it ended the worst way, taking an innocent life with him.
“So we beat on, boats against the current. Borne back ceaselessly into our past.”
JCP Notes: On Wednesday, I’m arguing a First Amendment case before the Virginia Supreme Court on the issue of Church property ownership. (It’s the day after the redistricting referendum – so hopefully they won’t be too distracted).
Other updates coming soon in our “free speech” case in New York and a major property rights case in Stafford County. But those will have to wait for later. Last week’s events were simply more important.
In the meantime, I wish you all the best,
Peace,
Chap