In Private Meeting With Staff, Northam Says He’ll Leave If He’s No Longer Effective

While Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has remained publicly defiant amid calls for his resignation, he is privately weighing his options and stepping down is still an “active consideration,” The Washington Post reported.

According to people familiar with the meeting who spoke to the Post, Northam met with senior staffers on Sunday evening to assess his options and weigh whether he still has support within his inner circle. The Democratic governor has not yet made a decision, but he told staff that he would consider resigning if he felt he could no longer be effective in his role.

There have been conflicting reports on where Northam’s head is at. The Associated Press reported Monday that even after the private meeting with staff, Northam remained firm on his decision to stay in his job.

A Democratic official described the meeting — which included several staff members of color — was “emotional,” in the Post’s words. Northam planned to hold another larger meeting on Monday with the rest of his staff.

According to the Post, there are mixed opinions without Northam’s inner circle about what he should do next. At least two members of his senior staff have contacted outside firms about job opportunities if he were to resign. However, Northam’s wife, Pam Northam, is encouraging her husband to stay in his post and defend himself.