Hamilton resident David LaRock, a Republican who spent much of 2012 an outspoken critic of Phase Two of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, filed Monday to run for the Virginia House of Delegates 33rd District seat in this November's election.

LaRock is the first announced primary challenger to veteran Del. Joe May, who began his tenure in the General Assembly 20 years ago.

LaRock owns and operates LaRock Builders and serves as director of The 1789 Project, a conservative advocacy group designed to “help concerned citizens find and support candidates in close, winnable races for the U.S. House and Senate,” according to the organization's website.

“I am humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support for our campaign,” LaRock, a self-described Constitutional Conservative, said in a prepared statement. “Voters are telling me they are tired of the same old taxing and spending increases our current delegate has voted for. They know that the 33rd district is a conservative district, and they want a conservative delegate who will stand up for what they believe.”

Del. May said Monday he would be opening his 2013 campaign office this week. He said he fully intends to serve in the House of Delegates several more terms.

May hasn't seen a primary or general election challenge in the previous two House cycles.

The 33rd District encompasses a large portion of western Loudoun County, as well as chunks of Frederick and Clarke counties.


-Trevor Baratko