Verdict Reached: Attorney Tim Anderson wins Injunction Allowing Hopewell Councilman Elect Ellis to Serve
Hopewell, VA -
Councilman-Elect Ronnie Ellis, a veteran battalion chief firefighter with 22 years of service in the Hopewell Fire Department, secured a major legal victory today. Around noon, Ellis won an injunction that will allow him to take his rightful seat on the city council dais in January. This development came after a contentious ordinance passed by the city of Hopewell sought to block Ellis from assuming office. The ordinance, which was set to take effect on January 1, 2025, became the focal point of a legal battle, culminating in a decision that reaffirmed the rights of the newly elected councilman.
The ordinance was met with criticism and became the subject of an opinion issued by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. The Attorney General’s statement highlighted the lack of legal basis for the ordinance, effectively bolstering Ellis’s case. Ellis, who campaigned on a platform centered on combating violent crime, fostering economic growth through increased tax revenue, and enhancing technical training in public education, now has the green light to pursue his vision for Hopewell.
This legal triumph is being hailed as a significant win for Attorney Tim Anderson of Virginia Beach, who represented Ellis in the case. Anderson, a former Delegate and current candidate for House District 97, has been a prominent figure in Virginia’s conservative circles. The seat he seeks is currently held by Democrat Michael Feggans. Following the court’s decision, Anderson expressed his satisfaction to VAREDWATCH immediately after the verdict, stating,
“They were trying to force him out of the seat that he just won. The good ole boys club is finally being broken up in Hopewell, and new conservative leadership is coming.”
Ellis’s victory is part of a broader trend in Virginia, where Republican candidates have made significant inroads in traditionally blue cities. Recent Republican wins in cities such as Hampton, Portsmouth, and Roanoke signal a revitalization of the political landscape and a growing appetite for conservative leadership. Ellis’s seat on the council is seen as another step in this political shift, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed focus to issues that matter most to Hopewell residents.
The decision also underscores the commitment of Attorney General Miyares and Tim Anderson to uphold the democratic process and ensure that public servants, chosen by the people, are not unfairly barred from serving. For Ellis and his supporters, the court’s ruling is not just a legal victory but a validation of their fight for fair representation and governance.
As Councilman-Elect Ronnie Ellis prepares to take office, Hopewell residents look forward to a new era of leadership, one that prioritizes safety, economic opportunity, and educational advancement. His triumph today marks the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative chapter for the city.
Click here to read the full letter from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, which further details the legal opinion on this case.