Endorsements and updates from today
Several statewide candidates announced endorsements today and there is a new LG candidate.
It was a busy Monday as statewide candidates continue the work to build a coalition of supporters from elected officials and influential members of the community. In addition, a member of the House of Delegates decided to join the already-extremely crowded field.
McAuliffe announces large coalition of Hampton Roads endorsements
Terry McAuliffe announced several new endorsements on Monday morning as he is seeking the Democratic nomination to run for Governor in 2021. McAuliffe is currently competing with Senator Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond), former Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy (D-Prince William), and current Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax for the nomination.
As the candidates vie for support from influential figures across the Commonwealth, seven Hampton Roads legislators and four mayors announced this morning that they will be supporting McAuliffe’s candidacy. In addition to Virginia Senate President Pro-Tempore L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), who is co-chair of the McAuliffe campaign, Senator Lionell Spruill and Delegates Don Scott, Cliff Hayes, Alex Askew, Mike Mullin, Martha Mugler, and Steve Heretick say they will be supporting McAuliffe for Governor.
58 Chesterfield County Republican Leaders Endorse Kirk Cox for Governor
Fifty-eight Republican leaders from Chesterfield County endorsed Kirk Cox for Governor on Monday, including former State Senator Glen Sturtevant, Delegates Roxann Robinson and Carrie Coyner, Chesterfield County GOP Chairman Mike Hadank and ten past Chairmen, 4th District GOP Chair Carey Allen, three Chesterfield County Sheriffs, two past State Party Chairs, and Chesterfield Supervisors Leslie Haley, Chris Winslow, Jim Ingle, and Kevin Carroll.
“I’m grateful and humbled to have earned the endorsement of these strong conservative leaders, each one a friend and ally in our fight for conservative principles and policies that can move the Commonwealth forward,” said Cox. “They are ready to bring the party together, lead forward, and win in 2021.”
Republican Senator Bill DeSteph Endorses Tim Hugo for Lieutenant Governor
Senator Bill DeSteph endorsed Tim Hugo’s campaign for Lieutenant Governor today and issued the following statement.
"It is my honor to endorse Tim Hugo in his race for Lieutenant Governor," said Senator Bill DeSteph. "Family man, veteran, and community leader, Tim Hugo's life has been about service. Tim distinguished himself during his many years in the Virginia House of Delegates, fighting for his constituents and standing up for what is right. He has a proven record of supporting conservative policies and will fight back against complete Democrat rule in Richmond.”
Del. Mark Levine (D) is running for Lieutenant Governor
Delegate Mark Levine (D-Alexandria) announced on Monday morning that he will seek the office of Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 2021. Levine was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2015.
“Injustice really gets under my skin,” Levine said. “All our lives we’ve been told ‘that’s just the way things are.’ But I’ve found – if you’re persistent and creative, get the details right, and work with others of good will – even the toughest problems can be solved. So when I hear something is ‘impossible’, that’s my cue to get to work!”
Levine is entering a very crowded field of Democrats seeking the office.
“Virginia needs a full-time lieutenant governor. If elected, I would visit every one of Virginia’s 133 counties and cities during my term and assist the Governor in connecting with everyday Virginians all across the Commonwealth. To heed their voices, we must hear them first.”
Delegate Hala Ayala Endorses Delegate Kathleen Murphy for Re-election in Primary
Delegate Hala Ayala (D-Prince William County) today announced that she is endorsing Delegate Kathleen Murphy (D-McLean) for re-election to the House of Delegates.
“As her colleague, I’ve seen how Delegate Kathleen Murphy is a fierce champion for Virginians," said Ayala. “In her community and in the General Assembly, Kathleen advocates for veterans, military families, and transportation solutions, protects women’s rights, and promotes gun sense policies. We need Delegate Murphy’s pragmatic approach to progressive policymaking, which is why I am proud to endorse her.”