UPDATE: Linda S. 'Toddy' Puller to Retire from State Senate

Democrat State Sen. Toddy Puller, who represents Virginia’s 36th District, announced plans today to retire from the Virginia Senate after the 2015 legislative session.

Puller made her announcement today, the first day of the Virginia Assembly’s 2015 session in Richmond:

Announcement from State Senator Toddy Puller (D-36):

Twenty-three years ago I began one of the great adventures of my life. With the encouragement, love and support of my family and friends I ran for and won a seat in the House of Delegates in 1991. In 1999, with the encouragement and support of the late Senator Joe Gartlan and my family and friends, I ran for the 36thsenatorial district and won.

It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the people of the 36th district in the Senate of Virginia. My colleagues entrusted me with the chairman’s gavel of the Joint Commission on Health Care and the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation & Social Services, a place on the Board of Veteran Services and many other commissions and committees where I hope along the way I have been able to improve opportunities for all Virginians.

Now, with the encouragement, love and support of my family I have made the decision to step down and to not run in 2015.

Everyone who knows me and has worked with me over the years knows I am still going to be a tireless advocate for my constituents and my legislative agenda during the General Assembly session and throughout 2015. I will fight hard to support those bills which will help veterans, children and families have access to the health care, education and programs and services they need and deserve. I will vigorously defend my legislation before committees and on the Senate floor and I look forward to the Governor signing them into law this summer.

I have always believed in “the Virginia Way” and worked with wide-ranging coalitions of smart and capable legislators, advocates, lobbyists and constituents to find the best solutions possible for our communities and Commonwealth. I look forward to remaining involved in my community and in local politics in Fairfax and Prince William counties. I look forward to spending more time with my children and two grandsons.

A sincere special mention of my Legislative Assistant, Carrie Ann Alford, my long-serving aide before her, Kate Morosoff, and to Maggi Luca, Sharon Barnes and Jean Jensen who were always faithful in their duties to me as a Senator and all have been a faithful friend to me.

Puller was first a member of the House of Delegates, from 1992-2000 and has served as a member of the Virginia Senate since 2000.

The district includes portions of Fairfax County, Prince William County and Stafford County.

“Toddy Puller is a fighter,” said Del. Mark Sickles (D-43rd).

“Today’s announcement that she will retire as a Member of the Senate after her current term is bittersweet,” Sickles said. “Bitter because her absence will leave a gapping void here in Richmond; sweet because nobody has done more in one life to deserve less hectic years at home with friends and family.”

“Toddy is one of my best friends in public life,” Sickles noted. “She has helped me when I needed it the most. Her internal compass always points toward more opportunity for all of Virginia’s people. Her courage, strength, and determination is an inspiration to all who know her.”

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, she was educated at Mary Washington College (B.A.) and is a member of the Episcopal Church.

Dumfries Mayor Jerry Foreman, a Republican, announced in December he will run for the seat. No word yet on Democrats who may throw their hats in the ring.