Moran to Step Down as State's Democratic Chairman

Brian Moran, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginia says he will step down from his post in early December.

Moran's resignation becomes official at the party's next meeting Dec. 8.

Moran, brother of longtime Rep. Jim Moran (D-8th District), has been chairman for two years.

House Minority Whip Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria) said she will seek the chairmanship, according to The Washington Post. Herring was elected to the General Assembly in January 2009. If elected chairwoman, she would not have to vacate her House seat.  

Moran, 53, spent eight years as the Democratic Caucus chair in the House of Delegates before running for Governor, but losing in the Democratic primary, in 2009.

Brian Moran leaves his post after two big Democratic victories in Virginia on Nov. 6: the re-election of President Barack Obama and the election of Tim Kaine over George Allen for U.S. Senate.

"I am pleased to report that the Democratic Party of Virginia is in a solid position to play a significant role in electing a Democratic statewide ticket and making gains in the legislature in 2013," Moran said in a statement.