GOP Endorsement By Black Group Gets Dems’ Attention

By Leonard E. Colvin
Chief Reporter
New Journal and Guide

        On October 2, Glenn Youngkin, the Republican nominee running for Virginia’s governor, was endorsed by the Hampton Roads Black Caucus (HRBC)  in the race against Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe.

The announcement was made during the group’s “Breakfast of Champions”, where it recognized the work of three African Americans who have contributed significantly  to their community.

The endorsement created a political shockwave in the state’s political ecosphere as the Conservative Republican received  support of a political action group reportedly led by African Americans.

Calls and emails to the New Journal and Guide about the group’s origin and membership were immediate.

Its name, the Hampton Roads Black Caucus (HRBC) is closely similar to that of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC).

        The VLBC is composed of all of the African American  legislators serving  in the Virginia State Senate and  House of Delegates.

        The HRBC has been called a political action group reportedly formed in 2012 with  the funding and organizational help of former  2nd District U.S. Congressman Scott Rigell, a moderate Republican who was seeking to inspire African American support of the GOP.

Several political operatives say the group has about 100 active members. Also one source told the GUIDE that a number of  members did not vote on the HRBC’s endorsement of the GOP candidate and questioned it.

According to Black Republican political consultant Raynard Jackson of Washington D.C.,  the HRBC is one of various “cutout groups.”

        He said that Republican politicians and political action groups direct funding to them under the guise of non-partisanship in hope of securing Blacks to support the GOP.

A member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus was prepared early  to “set the record straight” and  assure Democratic voters that their caucus did not endorse Youngkin. A press conference was called immediately for Wednesday October 6 in Virginia Beach.   

        “Any Black person who would support a Republican candidate who supports the suppression of the Black vote is out of their mind,” said State Senator Lionell Spruill, one of several VLBC members at the press conference. “We want people to know that it was not the Legislative Black Caucus, but a group, supported by Republicans which does not represent the interest of Black people at all,”

At the October 2 breakfast event, according to several people in attendance, many of the participants sat at tables sponsored by the Youngkin Campaign. 

The only high profile Democrat viewed briefly at the event moderated by WHRO’s Lisa Godley was U.S. Congressman Robert Scott,  who quickly exited the banquet room of the  Hampton Marina Hotel where the breakfast took place.

GOP Lt. Governor nominee Winsome Sears attended the event where Mr. Tommy Cerja, UVA law student, Newport News  Councilwoman Tina Vick and Hampton University President Dr. William Harvey received

2021 Breakfast of Champions Awards. 

Since Rigell left the U.S. Congress,  according to various sources, the HRBC’s activities have slowed. But it still supports Republican-leaning candidates in various local and statewide elections.

        Youngkin’s campaign said his endorsement was the first by the HRBC since 2012 of a GOP candidate.

        On its website, the HRBC said it works to increase the representation of elected officials who advocate and support legislation to help the Black community. The group lists four initiatives it supports: Black-owned business growth, educational advancement, economic development and community development.

         Susan Hippon, a Virginia Beach Democratic party activist, who in 2015 ran for Virginia Beach City Treasurer as a Democrat, received the group’s endorsement in her losing campaign. But Hippon  questioned the HRBC’s endorsement of Youngkin. She reportedly discovered the HRBC has not filed an operation or financial report  with State Department of Elections since 2015.

        Since Oct. 2, the HRBC has removed the notice that it was Political Action Committee.

         According to  Gaylene Kanoyton, a Democratic party operative and the

Hampton NAACP President, said  the HRBC comes to life during election years and endorses mostly GOP-leaning candidates.