Courtroom filled with peers, supporters, family at investiture for newest Juvenile and Domestic Relations judge in the 26th Judicial District
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, May 22 — Raw emotion overtook the circuit courtroom on Thursday afternoon, but it wasn’t held in contempt. Former Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Cave struggled to complete his first words as the newest judge in the 26th Judicial District, especially when he spoke of his parents’ struggles.
And while his investiture was surely one of the biggest days of his life, and therefore the emotions and tears understandable, Judge Cave still found some room for levity.
“I’m humbled by the amount of family and friends here today… Today is as close as I will ever get to attending my own funeral,” he said after being showered with compliments just before taking his oath.
“The tremendous turnout today is a testament to the public support of Mr. Cave’s transition to the bench,” Judge Clark A. Ritchie told a crowded courtroom during the May 22 joint session of the Page County Circuit Court and the Page County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
On Feb. 19, the General Assembly gave final approval to House Resolution 804 certifying Cave as a Juvenile and Domestic Relations judge — the only vacancy in the 26th District. Judge Anthony Bailey of Harrisonburg created the vacancy when he announced he would be stepping down this spring.
“I will give this job everything I have,” Cave told those in attendance on Thursday. “I hope to justify the faith placed in me by the legislature.”
“I can’t think of anyone better to fill this role,” said Delegate Todd Gilbert. The former Speaker of the House of Delegates is awaiting a potential appointment himself, as a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Virginia. “Hopefully, not too much longer,” he told the crowd of his wait during the six-month process — before promptly knocking three times on the wooden lectern.
Judge Ritchie presided over Thursday’s joint session alongside Judge Kimberly R. Belongia, the presiding JDR judge in the 26th Judicial District.
“The appointment of a new judge is a significant event…a new voice…and a new guardian of justice. We are honored to welcome you into this mission,” Judge Belongia told Cave. “We are a team. We work together across the Valley… We’ve got your back and will help you.
“I’m excited because I know how well he will treat children and families,” she added.
Cave, 48, previously served as assistant commonwealth attorney in Page County under now-General District Court Judge Kenneth L. Alger II. When the General Assembly confirmed Alger to take the place of retiring Judge Dale Houff of Luray in March of 2022, Cave served as the interim commonwealth’s attorney for the county until a special election was held that November.
The next year, Cave won a second uncontested race to secure a full, four-year term that extends through Dec. 31, 2027. Chuck Butler and Chapman Good have stepped forward to appear on the ballot of a special election this November to fill the remainder of that term through 2027. Candidates have until Friday, Aug. 15 to file for the office. The extended filing deadline (June 17 for all other offices) is due to the vacancy being created after the previous general election in November.
On April 29, the court issued an order appointing Page County’s Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Armanda Clymer as the interim commonwealth’s attorney until the Nov. 4 special election. Neither the current deputy nor the current assistant commonwealth’s attorney (W. Andrew Harding) were eligible to run for the office since they do not reside in Page County.
Cave described Clymer as “one of the most well-rounded attorneys I have ever worked with.” He dubbed her the “judge-maker” — as her last three employers are now sitting on the bench.
As a life-long resident, Cave is believed to be only the third native of Page County to be elevated to the bench in recent memory. Prior to Alger’s confirmation in 2022, Houff was the last General District Court judge appointed to the bench who resided in Page County back in 2001. However, while Alger was born in Page County, Houff was not. Judge Josh Robinson, who was appointed to the circuit court in the 1970s, was born in Page County in June 1923.
“He is truly a person of high moral integrity and character… He is the type of person we hope for in our judiciary,” local attorney Michael Helm stated of Cave on behalf of the Page County Bar Association. “He is the type of person who thinks of others… he’s proven himself time and time again and strives to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. This is one of the hardest judicial positions because of the impact on youth… and it affects more people with each decision. But he puts his whole being into his work, and this community will be well served and well protected.”
Local attorney Caleb Routhier read a resolution of support from the local bar association and presented it to Cave — who then took his oath, put on his rob, and took the bench with nearly a dozen other judges in attendance.
“One thing that stood out to me was how serious he takes this job… always professional and attentive,” Judge Ritchie told the crowd. “You never knew what hairstyle he would come in with… sometimes long, sometimes short, sometimes half long and half short… A lot of people have faith in you and support you…welcome.”
Cave went around the room, acknowledging peers and colleagues for their help along the way and giving heed to the legal acumen and clout in the room.
“I knew I wasn’t going to be the best attorney in the room, but I could be the hardest-working,” said Cave, noting he only missed two court dates in 17 years.
“I will give this job everything I have,” Cave told to the courtroom. “I can not think of a more important time in our history to strengthen our courts…and protect the rule of law.”
For more information on Page County Courts, CLICK HERE.
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