Senator Frank Ruff Jr. has announced that he’ll retire from at the end of his current term. Ruff cited health concerns following a recent cancer diagnosis as the reason for his retirement.

Ruff was re-elected in November, but will not serve his 2024-2028 term. A special election will be held to select Ruff’s replacement for the 9th District seat.

Ruff has served in the Senate of Virginia since 2000. Prior to the Senate, Ruff was a member of the House of Delegates.

The 9th Senate District includes all of the counties of Charlotte, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, and Nottoway, as well as parts of the counties of Brunswick, Campbell, Dinwiddie, Halifax, Pittsylvania, and Prince George, and part of the City of Danville.

Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued a writ of election, for a special election in the 9th Senate District for January 9, 2024. The last day for candidates to file is December 20. Information requiring candidacy requirements can be found on the Department of Elections website.