Virginia Sen. Mark Peake.

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

State Sen. Mark Peake says he will step down as chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia at the end of the year, closing out a leadership run that began in April.

Peake announced the move in a letter to Republican leaders, saying the decision came “after much reflection, prayer, and conversations with my family.”

He made clear he isn’t leaving politics — just the chairmanship.

“While my time as Chairman will soon come to an end, my work on behalf of Virginians will not,” Peake wrote. “I will continue serving in the State Senate, where I remain committed to standing firmly against radical Democratic policies and fighting for a brighter future for every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Peake said the timing comes down to what he called a major fight ahead.

In his letter, he told party leaders that Democrats passed legislation on Oct. 31, which he described as an effort “to destroy our constitutional process for redistricting.” He said Democrats intend to set a statewide referendum for April 2026, including 45 days of early voting.

“As a State Senator, I will be fully engrossed in our legislative session, which lasts from January-March,” he wrote. “These will be crucial months that the Chairman of the RPV will need to vigorously lead the fight against the Democrats’ blatant Power Grab.”

Peake said stepping aside now allows the RPV to choose someone who can “devote their full time, energy, and attention” to that battle and to the 2026 US Senate and Congressional races.

He also used the letter to thank a long list of Republican leaders, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Attorney General Jason Miyares, Senate Republican Leader Ryan McDougle, and House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore, as well as party staff and local members.

While noting that “it seems like we are in the cold, dark depths of winter right now (we are),” Peake wrote that he is “supremely confident” in the party’s future.

“Our ideas are strong, our voters are energized, and our mission – to secure a freer, safer, more prosperous Virginia – endures,” he wrote. “It has been an honor to serve.”