RICHMOND (WINA) – Not only has Albemarle Republican Delegate Rob Bell announced he’s not running for re-election this year, he’s stepped down from the General Assembly as of today and has begun work in state Attorney General Jason Miyares’ office. A Miyares statement this (Monday) morning says he has tapped Bell for his senior leadership team as Deputy Attorney General for Health, Education, and Social Services.

Miyares says he has known Bell — first elected to the General Assembly in 2001 — from their work together in the General Assembly and has “a deep respect for his work ethic, intellect, and knowledge of Virginia laws”.

Bell, in the statement, says he has “learned about a wide variety of legal and policy issues while serving on the Education Committee, the Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee and the Behavioral Health Commission.. and is excited to
bring this knowledge to a new public service role”.

Bell in February announced he’s not running for re-election after his current 58th District seat was placed into a new 55th House District he notes is less favorable to a Republican nominee. Republican Steve Harvey is running against Democrat Amy Laufer for that seat.

Click here for the entire statement from Attorney General Miyares.