10/23/2026
The Henrico Republican Committee issued the following statement regarding the lawsuit against Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor reported Wednesday and today’s federal indictment of state Senator Louise Lucas:
“Within 24 hours, Virginians have learned of serious allegations involving two prominent Democratic officeholders entrusted with enforcing and making our laws.
“In Henrico, a former prosecutor alleges that Shannon Taylor retaliated against him after he reported workplace sexual assault and harassment. These allegations concern the management of the very office responsible for seeking justice for victims. They deserve a substantive response from Taylor. Attacking the political affiliations of the plaintiff’s attorneys does not answer the allegations.
“Separately, federal prosecutors allege that Senator Louise Lucas helped lead an illegal ma*****na enterprise and used her public position to protect and financially benefit that operation. Allegations that legislative power was used for private enrichment strike directly at public trust.
“These are separate cases, and neither a civil complaint nor a criminal indictment establishes wrongdoing. Both women are entitled to due process, and Lucas is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Those principles are essential. So is accountability.
“We call on Taylor to address the allegations concerning her leadership of Henrico’s prosecutor’s office, and on Lucas to step aside from her Senate leadership positions while the criminal case proceeds.
“Virginia’s Democratic leaders should insist on answers and accountability from their own officeholders. Voters deserve to know whether their leaders will uphold those standards when doing so is politically inconvenient.”
