RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia's lone Muslim state lawmaker has resigned from his Democratic leadership position, calling the presidential election a wake-up call for the party.
Media outlets report that Del. Sam Rasoul of Roanoke stepped down Friday from his post as secretary of the House of Delegates Democratic Caucus, calling for a "massive overhaul" to reconnect with working-class voters after Donald Trump's presidential victory.
In the post Rasoul held since last December, he was responsible for administrative tasks such as keeping records of meeting minutes.
Rasoul says Democrats "fought a campaign against hate and fear with hate and fear" and undermined their ability to communicate with "everyday Americans." He says instead of changing its platform, the party needs to change its communication strategy to build trust.
