In Memoriam: Wyatt Durrette
Following his passing on September 30 of this year, UpVote Virginia remembers the Honorable Wyatt B. Durrette, Jr. – a former Virginia Delegate, candidate for statewide office, and tireless champion for nonpartisan democracy reform in the Commonwealth.
For many years, Wyatt devoted himself to the mission of fixing our broken political system. He understood that real reform required setting aside partisan interests and bringing together Virginians from across the political spectrum. Through his roles as the attorney who argued for better redistricting criteria in state court, head of the Redistricting Amendment Drafting Committee, and the chair of FairMaps VA, his leadership helped build our predecessor organization into a credible, trusted voice for electoral reform — one that earned respect from citizens and lawmakers alike, regardless of party affiliation.
Wyatt believed deeply in the power of civility and compromise. In an era of increasing polarization, he remained steadfast in his conviction that Americans of goodwill could find common ground. Those who knew him remember his unpretentious nature and genuine warmth — qualities that helped him bridge divides and build trust across party lines. He showed us that principled disagreement need not mean personal animosity, and that our democracy works best when we listen to one another with respect and open minds.
His leadership inspired our board, our volunteers, and the tens of thousands of Virginians who share our vision of a more representative, more responsive democracy. A devoted family man who never missed his children's events, Wyatt brought that same steadfast commitment to Virginia's democracy. Through his efforts, he helped lay the groundwork for reforms that will strengthen our electoral systems for generations to come.
As we continue this work through UpVote Virginia, we carry forward Wyatt's legacy of principled leadership and his unwavering commitment to putting democracy before party. We are forever grateful for his dedication, and we will miss his wisdom, integrity, and grace.
