Helmer’s Law Undermines Democracy — And Both Sides Should Agree

In Virginia, a new law is quietly changing how political parties choose their candidates — and not for the better.

Known as Helmer’s Law, this legislation requires political parties to use state-run primaries instead of choosing their own nomination methods. That may sound harmless, but the result is that any registered voter, regardless of party affiliation, can vote in either party’s primary. And that opens the door to something no one—Republican or Democrat—should want: political sabotage.

Just look at what’s happening right here in Warren County. Last week, the Warren County Democratic Committee openly encouraged Democrats to vote in the Republican primary on June 17. In a Facebook post, their chair, Kris Nelson, wrote:

“Virginia has open primaries, which means any registered voter can vote in the June 17 Republican primary. And thanks to a 2024 law change, parties can no longer hide behind closed-door Firehouse Primaries… We’re asking you to vote for Tony Carter and Hugh Henry.”

Both Carter and Henry are Republicans running for office. But now they’re being propped up by Democratic activists, not Republican voters. That’s not democracy — that’s interference.

And let’s be honest: this isn’t a new problem. Republicans have been guilty of similar tactics in the past. Many remember “Operation Chaos,” when the late Rush Limbaugh encouraged Republicans to vote for Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic primary to disrupt Barack Obama’s chances. It was wrong then, and it’s wrong now.

That’s why the 6th Congressional District and about 26 other Republican committees across Virginia — including CD 5, CD 11, Fairfax County, Warren County, Rockingham, and Harrisonburg — have joined a lawsuit against the Commonwealth. The goal is simple: repeal Helmer’s Law and give parties the right to run their own nomination processes.

In Warren County, our GOP Committee, led by Thomas McFadden Jr., voted overwhelmingly — 40 to 1 — to support this lawsuit. The only vote against it? Mr. Hugh Henry, the same Republican now receiving public backing from the Democrats. That speaks volumes.

Let’s also be clear: Warren County Democrats aren’t suddenly supporting Republicans because they agree with us. Their policies — from abortions after birth to letting biological males play in girls’ sports to raising taxes and attacking Second Amendment rights — have no place in this community. That’s why they’re trying to game our primary instead of winning votes with their own ideas.

To all Republicans in Warren County: Let’s protect the integrity of our process. Vote on June 17 or during early in-person voting at the Voter Registration Office. Whether you support Tony Carter or Cameron Williams in the Happy Creek District or Hugh Henry or Patrick Pennefather in the Fork District — make sure Republicans are the ones choosing our nominees.

And to our Democratic neighbors: we respect your right to choose your candidates. Please respect ours. Stay out of the Republican primary — just as we stay out of yours.

John Massoud
6th District Chairman

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