RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The race to be Virginia’s next lieutenant governor is taking shape as the first high-profile Republican has announced his intention to replace current Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.
Pat Herrity, who has served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for more than 15 years, announced his candidacy on Jan. 3.
In his campaign announcement, Herrity said that his top priorities will be lowering taxes, protecting Virginia’s communities, and reforming Virginia’s schools.
“He certainly has a story that he can tell to get himself into position to win if things go the Republicans’ way this year,” Randolph-Macon Political Science Professor Rich Meagher told 8News about Herrity’s candidacy.
Meagher says considering Herrity has shown an ability to win in Northern Virginia, a place that Republicans typically struggle in, Herrity’s campaign should be taken seriously.
“He can tell the story of being the lone Republican voice that fights against his colleagues on the board of supervisors and that provides appeal to Republicans in a primary,” Meagher explained.
As for where things stand on the Democratic side, Meagher says it’s too early to tell who is the favorite with four high-profile candidates, including State Senators Aaron Rouse (Virginia Beach) and Ghazala Hashmi (Chesterfield), former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, and Prince William County School Board Chairman Dr. Babur Lateef, all seeking the nomination.
“The Democratic ticket is wait and see right now. I don’t think that folks are really paying attention to who the Lieutenant Governor candidates are. I think that that will certainly ramp up now and particularly after the {General Assembly} session ends,” Meagher said.
Current Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears isn’t seeking a second term and is instead running for governor.
