Statewide political news on the final day before Republican convention delegates cast their vote
The latest in Virginia politics
Former Virginia speaker Kirk Cox argues he is 'most electable' of GOP gubernatorial hopefuls - Fox News
"McAuliffe’s biggest platform is going to be education," he explained. "And who better to go up against him than a 30-year classroom teacher, and someone who has been the vice-chair of the budget committee, and someone who has been on the K-12 committee who can really debate those issues with him much, much better than anyone else in the race can."
Cox, who was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1990, touted his years of experience compared to the rest of the Republican field, most of whom have never held elected office.
Opponents press McAuliffe on Amazon, policing in second Democratic primary debate - Virginia Mercury
by Graham Moomaw
Several Democratic candidates for governor took shots at frontrunner Terry McAuliffe during the second televised debate of the campaign Thursday night, leaving the former governor defending his record on policing, luring Amazon to Virginia and assisting impoverished, majority-Black communities like Petersburg.
But there didn’t appear to be a single, standout moment that might dramatically alter the dynamics of the race one month out from the June 8 primary. In his closing statement, McAuliffe, a former governor seeking a rare second term in office, signaled he’s already looking ahead to the general election and the coming fight against whomever Republicans nominate for governor at their convention this weekend.
Former NRA Exec. Director Chris Cox Endorses Pete Snyder for Governor
Chris Cox said, "The Second Amendment always gets a lot of attention around election time. But how many of these candidates are committed to protecting our freedoms when no one is looking?
"As a longtime Virginian and someone who cares about our Commonwealth, I am endorsing Pete Snyder for Governor because - for decades - I have personally witnessed Pete’s commitment to our gun rights. That’s why I’m joining Lt. Col. Oliver North and other champions across the Commonwealth and supporting Pete Snyder as the clear choice for protecting and restoring the Second Amendment.”
McAuliffe Lines Up Hundreds Of Endorsements Ahead Of 2nd Debate - Patch
by Mark Hand
As the five Democratic candidates for governor arrive in Bristol for the second of four planned debates, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe stands out for the number of endorsements he has received from a wide range of groups and prominent leaders.
At last count, the former governor has received 325 endorsements since announcing his candidacy in December, far more than any other candidate. Former Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy and state Sen. Jennifer McClellan have received an impressive number of endorsements but still trail McAuliffe's count by a large margin.
REPUBLICAN RUNNING FOR VIRGINIA GOVERNOR TOOK CASH FROM LOBBYISTS TIED TO “WOKE” COCA-COLA - The Intercept
by Rachel Cohen
VIRGINIA REPUBLICAN Pete Snyder has been positioning himself in the state’s gubernatorial primary as a fearless enemy of “cancel culture” and “woke companies,” heaping particular scorn on entities such as Coca-Cola that dared criticize Georgia’s recent election law. The controversial measure — which, among other things, restricts ballot access in urban and suburban counties, shortens the period to request an absentee ballot, and criminalizes offering water to voters standing in line — has come in for criticism from an increasing number of CEOs, a rare corporate intervention into election law reforms. Despite his harsh words, Snyder’s recent campaign donations suggest that he’s willing to look past his own objections to so-called corporate activism.
After Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed the law on March 25, the MLB announced that it would be relocating the league’s All-Star Game in protest. CEOs from Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola also blasted the new voting law as too restrictive.
Virginia G.O.P.’s Choices for Governor: ‘Trumpy, Trumpier, Trumpiest’ - New York Times
by Trip Gabriel
One candidate brands himself a “conservative outlaw.” Another boasts of her bipartisan censure by the State Senate for calling the Capitol rioters “patriots.” A third, asked about Dominion voting machines — the subject of egregious conspiracy theories on the right — called them “the most important issue” of the campaign.
These are not fringe candidates for the Republican nomination for Virginia governor.
They are three of the leading contenders in a race that in many ways embodies the decade-long meltdown of Republican power in Virginia, a once-purple state that has gyrated more decisively toward Democrats than perhaps any in the country. In part, that is because of the hard-right focus of recent Republican officeseekers, a trend that preceded former President Donald J. Trump and became a riptide during his time in the White House.
Here's a pre-convention glance at the six GOP candidates for lieutenant governor - Richmond Times-Dispatch
by Patrick Wilson
The lieutenant governor votes to break ties on most legislation in the Senate. Many Virginia governors once held the job, among them current Gov. Ralph Northam; U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.; Democrats Doug Wilder and Chuck Robb; and Republican John Dalton. The last Republican to hold the office was Bill Bolling, who served as lieutenant governor from 2006 to 2014.
Here, in alphabetical order, is a final look at the six candidates for lieutenant governor Republican delegates will consider during Saturday’s convention. Voting will be held at locations across the state and could take several days to tally. All six hope that, should they win the nomination, enough voters in Virginia are turned off by exclusive Democratic control in Richmond that they’ll elect the first Republican to win statewide since 2009. (Democrats will choose their nominee for lieutenant governor from six candidates in a June 8 primary.)
Virginia’s List Endorses Delegate Hala Ayala for Lieutenant Governor
"Virginia's List is proud to support Delegate Ayala's historic candidacy for Lieutenant Governor," said Julie Jakopic, Chair of Virginia's List. "Delegate Ayala has been a champion for women and families throughout her time in office. She has been a support system and mentor to so many women in our Commonwealth who make the brave choice to run for office and make change in their communities."
Delegate Kathy Tran Endorses Del. Sam Rasoul For Lt. Governor
"During his eight years in the House of Delegates, Sam Rasoul has fought unapologetically to expand health care, take climate action, and make sure our government, of the people, is truly accessible by all the people," said Del. Tran. "Sam is building a broad coalition of Virginians from all parts of the Commonwealth. As Lieutenant Governor, Sam will bring these values and diverse perspectives to his fight for a better future for every one of us."
Virginia’s List endorsed Andria McClellan for lieutenant governor
“Andria’s 30 years of leadership experience in the private sector, non-profit arena and local government gives her a unique perspective and will make her a strong voice for solving problems and supporting every Virginian,” said Julie Jakopic, Chair of Virginia's List. “Virginia’s List is proud to support her campaign for Lieutenant Governor and look forward to her continued work to expand opportunity for all Virginians.”
Delegate Jeff Bourne (VA-HD-71) Endorses Rod Hall for VA-HD-31
“I am proud to endorse Rod Hall for Virginia House District 31. He will be a strong partner in the Virginia House of Delegates and I look forward to having his voice in Richmond.” -Delegate Jeff Bourne, VA-HD-71