Gubernatorial candidates respond to Northam's endorsement and Cox receives a big endorsement from the state Senate Republican leader

The latest in Virginia politics

Apr 09, 2021

Gubernatorial candidates respond to Northam’s endorsement of McAuliffe

On Thursday, Governor Ralph Northam endorsed his predecessor, Terry McAuliffe, as he is seeking to run for governor again this year after already serving as governor from 2014-2018. While the state Constitution limits governors from running for more than one consecutive term, it is legal to run for the office again after sitting a term out.

McAuliffe is the front runner in the only two public polls and has been endorsed by a large coalition of elected Democrats. Now Northam, who two years ago was being called upon by his entire party to resign over a blackface yearbook photo from college, is the most sought-after endorsement for statewide Democratic candidates.

Virginia Democrats took the majority in the state legislature in 2019 and were able to pass nearly every aspect of the Democratic agenda over the next two years — a key reason for Northam’s rehabbed image and why he is popular again among Democratic primary voters.

“The longer-term impacts of this pandemic, however, will be around long after I leave office, and it’s critical that our next governor has the plans and experience to continue the fight to rebuild Virginia into a stronger, more equitable future. That’s why I am so proud to support Terry McAuliffe to be our next governor,” Northam said Thursday.

State Senator Jennifer McClellan is also seeking the Democratic nomination to run for governor. She released a statement Thursday to directly address Northam’s endorsement of McAuliffe. “It’s no surprise to see one governor endorse another. But this election is up to the voters of Virginia. Virginians aren’t looking backward; they’re looking forward,” McClellan said. “They are ready for a governor to address the challenges they are facing now. They are looking for who is going to get them back to work, who is going to get their kids back to school, who is going to ensure their students are receiving a high-quality education regardless of the zip code or neighborhood they live in.”

Republicans that are also seeking the nomination responded to the endorsement as well. Former Speaker of the House Kirk Cox has been basing his gubernatorial campaign on pushing back against Democratic control of state government — this endorsement played into that narrative. “If Virginians had any doubt about what they could expect from a Democrat in the Governor's Mansion, Ralph Northam just eliminated it with his endorsement of Terry McAuliffe,” Cox said in a statement Thursday. “Two years ago, McAuliffe called Northam's actions 'racist, unacceptable and inexcusable' and called on him to step down. Today, he gratefully accepted his endorsement. Meanwhile, yesterday, McAuliffe sent out a fundraising email calling me racist for advocating for election integrity and removing partisanship from our state board of elections.”

Pete Snyder, a venture capitalist that has never held elected office in Virginia and is also seeking the Republican nomination for governor accused McAuliffe and Northam of keeping a new generation of Democrats from advancing. “The fix is in, Virginia Democrats. You knew it was going to happen,” Snyder said in a Twitter video Thursday. “And the two of them are elbowing out an entirely new generation of talent in the Democratic party. But you know what? This is what the establishment does. They squash the little guy. They cast aside others just so they could desperately cling to power.”

It is worth noting that Cox or Snyder, as Republicans, would benefit from decreased Democratic voter turnout in November if they become the nominee.

In addition to McClellan and McAuliffe, Jennifer Carroll Foy, Del. Lee Carter and Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax are seeking the Democratic nomination to run for governor. The nominee will be chosen in a primary election on June 8.

Cox and Snyder will be competing with state Sen. Amanda Chase and Glenn Youngkin for the Republican nomination in an unassembled convention on May 8.

Youngkin follows through with commitment to invest in down-ballot races

Glenn Youngkin, a Republican candidate for governor is following through with a campaign promise to invest in down-ballot races across Virginia. The former Carlyle Group executive has given the Virginia Wins PAC $400,000 in recent weeks. This new PAC associated with Youngkin has a stated mission of helping Virginia Republicans win down-ballot races.

After huge gains in 2017 and 2019, Democrats now control both chambers of the General Assembly — now holding a 10-vote majority in the House and a two-vote majority in the Senate. Republicans see this year as an opportunity to regain some of those lost House seats with a Congress and White House that is now controlled by Democrats.

Money, as always, will be an important factor in those down-ballot races during a year where most voters are only focused on the top of the ticket. Youngkin is looking to use his personal fortune and platform as a statewide candidate to help. “Democrats have poured millions of dollars into transforming Virginia, and I can’t sit by and watch while the left runs wild in my home state,” Youngkin said in March when he first announced this initiative.

This plan is intended to support Republicans at all levels of government, including local school board, commonwealth’s attorney, county sheriff, county commissioner, state delegate, state senator, and the U.S. Congress. A spokesperson for the campaign said that $81,500 has been distributed between more than 20 candidates so far.

Youngkin has vowed to make this a long-term, seven-figure investment. “Together, we will end the Virginia Republican Party’s decade-long losing streak, and we will win statewide in November,” said Youngkin. “When I’m governor, this new crop of leaders will help deliver conservative solutions and make the Commonwealth the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I am proud to make this vital investment to help elect Republicans in my home state.”

Senate Republican Leader Tommy Norment Endorses Kirk Cox for Governor

"The last four years under this governor have taken a heavy toll on Virginia. As Senate Republican Leader, I have endured a front-row seat to the unravelling of the sound conservative policies that made Virginia a national leader," Senator Norment said.

"Since gaining complete control of state government in January 2020, Governor Northam and General Assembly Democrats have promoted the agenda of their party’s extreme-left wing. In the process, they have aligned the Commonwealth with the failed policies that have made California and New York states that businesses and citizens are leaving.

"To begin the daunting work of restoring the common-sense conservative policies that made Virginia a national model, Republicans must win all three statewide offices and regain the majority in the House of Delegates this year. But to effectively fulfill that mission, we need a Republican governor who has the extensive experience to start reversing the damage on day one. Kirk Cox will be that governor.

"Like Governors Allen and McDonnell, Kirk Cox has the legislative experience essential to passing a conservative agenda through the General Assembly. Kirk respects our constitution and understands the importance of the limits it places on all branches of government. He will employ the constitutional options available to a governor, and the skills he honed as a legislative leader, to attack learning loss, kick-start the economy, support law enforcement, and promote public safety.

"No other candidate can match Kirk’s knowledge of the intricacies of Virginia government. Kirk will not need an orientation and his administration’s effectiveness will not be hindered by a learning curve. From the moment he takes the oath of office, Kirk won’t just be ready to serve, he’ll be ready to act.

"Most importantly, Kirk Cox will win in November. A native Virginian, career educator, experienced leader, and proven campaigner, Kirk has what it takes to lead us to victory in November.

"I enthusiastically endorse Kirk Cox to be our next great Republican governor. I urge all Republicans who want to win in November and get Virginia moving again to make Kirk Cox their first choice on May 8," Senator Norment concluded.

Civil rights leader Ben Jealous endorses Jennifer Carroll Foy in Virginia governor race - ABC News

by Kendall Karson

Ben Jealous, a prominent civil rights leader who helmed the NAACP for five years, is endorsing Democrat Jennifer Carroll Foy in the race to be Virginia's next governor -- handing the former state delegate a significant boost one day after her rival, former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, secured a high-profile endorsement from Gov. Ralph Northam.

In endorsing Carroll Foy, Jealous invoked her "lived experiences" to argue that she is both prepared to meet the moment and be a strong steward of the commonwealth's future.

Pete Snyder joins Fox Business to discuss campaign

Mark Herring receives new endorsements as he seeks the Democratic nomination to run for a third term as Virginia’s attorney general

“Whether it was holding pharmaceutical companies accountable, securing our elections, or ensuring quality education access, Attorney General Herring has never wavered in his commitment to protecting Virginians,” said Rep. Boucher. “As we transition out of a deadly pandemic that has claimed the lives of so many of our neighbors, we need experienced, steady leadership in the Attorney General’s office. Mark Herring is the only choice.”

“Over the past eight years, Mark Herring’s resolute and balanced leadership has completely transformed the Office of the Attorney General, showing Virginians that he’ll always be in their corner,” said Rep. Moran. “We need someone in the Office of the Attorney General who knows how to navigate our justice system and keep Virginians safe. I proudly endorse Mark Herring for a third term.”

Ogburn resigns as chair of Henrico School Board but will remain on the board - Henrico Citizen

by Tom Lappas

A month after sharing an offensive Facebook post that she said she hadn’t fully read or seen, Henrico School Board Chair Micky Ogburn Thursday resigned her leadership role on the board, though she will remain as Three Chopt District representative.

Vice Chair Marcie Shea of the Tuckahoe District will serve as acting chair until the board selects a new chair at its April 22 meeting. The position is largely ceremonial, and board members typically rotate the role among themselves each year.

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