VIRGINIA (WAVY) – Virginia Lieutenant Governor candidate Pat Herrity bowed out of the race Monday evening. In a Facebook post, he cited his health as one of the main reasons for his decision.
Herrity experienced a medial emergency March 9, due to a hereditary heart condition that exists in his family. He then announced on March 13 via X that he would be taking a break from campaigning to focus on his health.
The break is now officially permanent.
“As I learned and was enjoying prior to my surgery, a statewide campaign requires significant travel, multiple appearances per evening, being “on” all of the time and incredible stamina. I have come to the realization that my ability to get back to the 150 percent that I was giving to run a statewide race and that will be necessary to win in November is not possible at the near future,” Herrity said on Facebook. “Realizing that I can’t give it my all for the ticket, my supporters and donors is already causing me great stress. I believe making this decision now is in the best interest of both my health and the ticket.”
Herrity said his doctors still are expecting a full recovery, but it will come later than they thought due to some complications.
“Unfortunately, the 150 percent effort required for a statewide campaign would also significantly delay my recovery, put undue stress on my health and come with some risk, hence my decision to end the 2025 campaign now,” Herrity said.
While he may be stepping down from the campaign trail, Herrity mentioned he will serve on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and is committed to the residents.
After the announcement, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin posted, “Pat Herrity—one of Virginia’s strongest leaders—is in our prayers for strength and a full recovery. We’ll continue to fight alongside him as the best Supervisor in Fairfax County.”
