Last week, Danielle Walker announced she was stepping down as the delegate for the 81st District. Monday, she turned in her resignation letter to the Legislature, and next week, she will assume her new role as the executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union West Virginia (ACLU-WV).
We would like to thank Walker for her years of service representing the residents of Monongalia County. Her years serving in the Legislature have been characterized by courage and compassion. Despite having limited sway as a member of the Democratic minority, Walker always fought for her constituents and didn’t hesitate to challenge the political majority on their behalf. She never shied away from speaking up for marginalized communities — particularly LGBTQ+ people — here and across the state. In her interview with David Beard, Walker said her biggest win was when she’d raise questions in committee that sparked an amendment, which would in turn be sponsored by a Republican and carried on.
Her prevailing philosophy — one we wish the rest of the Legislature would adopt — has been to err on the side of kindness. Her voice will be missed in Charleston.
Walker’s new position seems like it will be the perfect fit for her. We wish her the best of luck, though we’re disappointed to see her go before the end of her term.
We hope whoever takes her place not only shares Walker’s values, but her fearlessness and her determination.
The Monongalia County Democratic Executive Committee is currently accepting names of registered Democrats who are interested in filling Walker’s unexpired term. Individuals must have lived within the 81st District for at least one year and may submit their full name, address of residence, length of residence at that address, phone number, email address and a short bio to Mon81stHOD@gmail.com. The deadline for consideration is April 16.
