Virginia's Republican Party chairman John C. Whitbeck announced his resignation Saturday, inauspiciously after the controversial Corey Stewart won the GOP nomination to face popular incumbent, and heavy favorite, Tim Kaine, D-Va., The Washington Post reported.
"Other political opportunities have arisen for me that I am thinking about pursuing," Whitbeck said, per the report.
Virginia, a state President Donald Trump lost in 2016, has seen its Republican majority dwindle as three GOP candidates lost their three statewide elections last year and Kaine holds an 18-point lead 54-36, according to the latest Quinnipiac University poll.
Stewart, who has claimed to be "Trump before Trump was Trump," is a controversial candidate for his attacks on illegal immigration, support for "Confederate heritage," and the vow of a "ruthless" and "vicious" campaign against Kaine, who was Hillary Clinton's running mate in 2016.
Whitbeck's position was unpaid, but it is a symbolic post responsible for fundraising. The Koch brothers, prominent GOP donors, have vowed no support for Stewart in Virginia, according to the report.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.