Del. Gilbert named as part of Virginia GOP House caucus leadership team

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia GOP House caucus named its leadership team late Wednesday.

The Republicans officially appointed House Majority Leader Kirk Cox as speaker designee, the de facto replacement for retiring Speaker William J. Howell. Cox would be named speaker in January if Republicans hold on to a majority.

Del. Todd Gilbert, who represents Page and Shenandoah Counties and portions of Warren and Rockingham Counties, was named as the majority leader in waiting. Republicans hope to maintain and then increase their 66 to 34 majority in the lower chamber. The GOP will be defending several districts in which Hillary Clinton won in last year’s presidential contest.

Howell announced his retirement Monday. Cox said the caucus announced its leadership team early so it could show a unified front heading into the election frenzy.