Court Issues Protection Order Against Virginia Lawmaker
A Virginia judge has granted a protection order against Republican Delegate A.C. Cordoza following an alleged threat made by a Democratic staffer against a Republican candidate associated with Cordoza’s boss.
The order, signed by Magistrate Gregory Kallis, documented an incident where Cordoza was approached by a staffer while trying to engage with voters at the registrar’s office. Words were exchanged, culminating in the staffer reportedly saying, “this is the last time I will speak to you” and threatening to “tie a knot” in Cordoza’s head.
Cordoza, who serves parts of Poquoson and Hampton, expressed to Fox News Digital that he believes this reflects a growing trend of hostility in politics today.
Local reports suggested that Virgil Thornton Sr., Cordoza’s Democratic opponent, attempted to shift the narrative, claiming that Cordoza was the aggressor. However, Cordoza pointed out that the court ultimately sided with him by granting the order.
“While I was at the polling station discussing my record, an opposing campaign worker got upset and decided it would be a smart move to threaten me. Given the current climate of political violence, I wasn’t willing to take any chances,” Cordoza stated.
He called the Hampton Police, who then suggested pursuing a protection order, which was later approved.
The Thornton campaign did not respond to requests for comments but released a statement asserting that Cordoza “surrounded” his niece and “used intimidation.” Thornton noted that law enforcement chose not to press charges against either party involved.
Cordoza refuted this account, accusing Thornton of trying to portray himself as a violent individual in past campaigns. He referenced an attack ad that a local news outlet, WAVY, examined, finding inaccuracies in several claims.
One claim suggested Cordoza had displayed a firearm to a police officer. He clarified that during a traffic stop, a man in civilian clothing aggressively approached his car, damaging the door handle but that he never drew a weapon. Another ad claimed Cordoza chased a young woman at the age of 18, yet the police had determined no crime was committed; WAVY’s findings indicated that Cordoza had actually been a victim of robbery, with the woman changing her story multiple times.
“What’s wild about this situation is that I’m now the third member of the General Assembly to face threats this election cycle,” he remarked.
He cited Rep. Kim Taylor (R-Petersburg), who received death threats that led to the prompt arrest of a suspect. Cordoza also mentioned Republican Rep. Geary Higgins of Lovettsville, who faced similar threats after defending a Republican candidate’s controversial stance on transgender issues.
“It’s hard to believe this keeps happening; it’s just escalating,” he added.
Meanwhile, a scandal involving former Norfolk state Rep. Jay Jones, regarding some hostile emails aimed at Republican leaders, is unfolding just across the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
Cordoza criticized Democratic leaders for not calling for Jones to step down from the attorney general race and expressed concerns over the normalization of political violence.
“We’re nearing a critical tipping point as a nation,” he stated.
Cordoza, who collaborates closely with Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl Sears, the only Black Republican in statewide office, mentioned he has yet to hear from House Speaker Don Scott Jr. since the incident. He emphasized their strong working relationship amidst these challenges.
Additionally, Cordoza continues to advocate for legislation aimed at protecting legislators and citizens from intimidation and violence, such as the Virginia Safety and Services Act. He also developed the CODI Alert initiative, which successfully helped locate all 14 children reported missing under its protocol.
