The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus elected Delegate Luke Torian as its new chair last week, succeeding Sen. Lamont Bagby, who led the group for seven years. Bagby, who will now chair the Democratic Party of Virginia, called his tenure with the caucus “a true honor.”

“Together, we have led efforts for real policy change in the aftermath of national crises and confronted a governor who fails to protect our most vulnerable communities,” Bagby said. “These challenges have shaped my leadership and strengthened my focus on creating a commonwealth where opportunity, justice and safety are available to all.”

Torian, the incoming chair, vowed to prioritize issues affecting marginalized Virginians.

“The VLBC is stronger, better equipped and more determined than ever to fight for those who have been overlooked for too long,” Torian said. “Our priority remains on addressing issues everyday Virginians face — from cuts to health care benefits to underfunded schools and wages that don’t meet the cost of living.”