Jay Jones raised $1 million last year in his campaign for Attorney General - Virginia Scope
Delegate Jay Jones (Norfolk) announced on Tuesday that he raised $1 million last year in his campaign for Attorney General of Virginia. Jones is currently competing with two-term incumbent Mark Herring for the Democratic nomination. Herring was originally running for Governor but dropped his name from consideration in September of 2020. He then officially announced his candidacy for reelection to the Office of the Attorney General in December.
Chafin’s seat will go unfilled for upcoming session - Bristol Herald Courier
by David McGee
There will be an empty chair when the Virginia Senate convenes for the 2021 session because there isn’t time to determine a replacement for Sen. Ben Chafin, who died Friday of complications from COVID-19. Gov. Ralph Northam doesn’t have the authority to appoint a temporary replacement to the state General Assembly, unlike a vacancy in a U.S. Senate seat.
After fueling a blue tide, Democrats in changing Virginia suburb aim high for more influence - Washington Post
by Antonio Olivo
Four years ago, Prince William County fueled a historic tide of Democratic victories in Virginia that led to the party’s takeover of the state legislature. Now, with the 2021 election season kicking into higher gear, several state lawmakers who were part of that blue wave are seeking to expand their imprint in Richmond.
McAuliffe announces huge fundraising numbers - Virginia Scope
In his mission to become Virginia’s Governor for a second time, Terry McAuliffe announced on Monday that he raised $6.1 million in 2020. $4.5 million of that came in during the most recent reporting period, which includes 1,000+ donations in the first 24-hours after announcing his candidacy in December, according to his campaign.
More than 450,000 total vaccine doses have been distributed in Va., but barely 20% administered while positivity rate surges - Richmond Times-Dispatch
by Sabrina Moreno
Vaccinations in Virginia continue to lag as the state approaches half a million doses distributed and the percentage of people testing positive climbs to nearly 16%, a first since early May. Data from the Virginia Department of Health on Monday showed that fewer than 90,000 vaccines have been administered, which is barely 20% of the state’s current shipments. This falls below the national rate of almost 30% reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Endorsements:
Scott Lingamfelter Endorses Tim Hugo for Lieutenant Governor
Centreville, VA - Former Delegate and Chairman of the House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety Scott Lingamfelter endorsed Tim Hugo for Lieutenant Governor today citing Hugo’s record of defending Virginians’ Second Amendment rights.
“As a Delegate, I fought hard everyday against attacks on Virginians’ Second Amendment rights, and I can tell you Tim Hugo was always an invaluable ally in those fights,” said Lingamfelter. “I strongly encourage all gun owners and those concerned about Democrats' attacks on our right to keep and bear arms to join me in supporting Tim Hugo for Lieutenant Governor. We can count on Tim to stand with us and it is one of the many reasons I am proud to throw my support behind his candidacy.”
Monday’s endorsements:
Below you can find the latest endorsements that candidates in the Lieutenant Governor race from both sides of the aisle announced on Monday.
Delegate Hala Ayala from Prince William County announced on Monday that she has received endorsements from Delegates Delores McQuinn, Danica Roem, Josh Cole, and Clint Jenkins. Ayala is seeking the Democratic nomination.
"I've spent the last 3 years serving with Delegate Hala Ayala in the General Assembly, and I've seen her dedicated advocacy in women's rights, healthcare, and education.” Said Delegate Delores McQuinn. “Her work has already helped the lives of so many Virginians throughout our Commonwealth. She is a natural born leader and public servant, which is why I know that Hala will be an effective Lieutenant Governor. That is why I am proud to endorse and support Delegate Hala Ayala for Lieutenant Governor, and I hope every Virginian will join me."
“Hala’s been a reliable partner, confidant and a true, genuine sister whose friendship and leadership I value so much in Richmond and Prince William County.” Said Delegate Danica Roem. “Del. Ayala’s values are rooted in her experience of overcoming struggles and hardships, which inform her incredible sense of empathy and compassion. I’ve seen Del. Ayala’s relentless hustle on the doors during the 2017 and 2019 campaigns. I’ve seen her heart on display on the floor of the House of Delegates. Delegate Ayala loves Virginia. I’m proud to endorse Hala Ayala for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.”
“Hala listens and brings people together to move Virginia forward. During these uncertain times, preparedness and compassion are needed from our leaders. From her leadership in the community and in the House of Delegates, I know that she will bring those values to the table.” Said Delegate Josh Cole.
“Having worked with Hala, I know she has a servant’s heart. A proven leader whose contributions extend to the fabric of our nation, its security and prosperity, she knows where we’re going and how to get us there.” Said Delegate Clint Jenkins.
You can view all of Ayala’s endorsements here.
Former Republican Speaker of the House Bill Howell and Delegate Bobby Orrock (R-Caroline) endorsed Delegate Tim Hugo of Fairfax as he seeks the Republican nomination.
“Whether it is fighting for our Second Amendment rights, our shared pro-life values, or a renewed committment to public safety, Conservative voters in Virginia can always count on Tim Hugo to do what is right,” said Speaker Howell. “I am supporting Tim in this race because he is the conservative candidate who can win and end the Democrats’ stranglehold on our Commonwealth.”
“Tim Hugo has spent his career fighting for the people of Virginia,” said Delegate Orrock. “As Lieutenant Governor, I know we can count on Tim to move our economy forward by working with our Republican caucus to advance pro-business and job creating legislation. His campaign has my full support and endorsement.”
Bells endorsements also include Delegate Rob Bell (Albermarle), House of Delegates Caucus Chair Kathy Byron (Bedford), Del. Mark Cole (Spotsylvania), Del. Matt Fariss (Campbell), Del. Buddy Fowler (Hanover), Del. Margaret Ransone (Westmoreland), Del. Nick Rush (Montgomery), Del. Lee Ware (Powhatan), and Sen. Bill DeSteph (Virginia Beach).
Hugo’s only serious competition for the nomination so far appears to be Delegate Glenn Davis from Virginia Beach. Davis announced a large slate of elected Republicans that support his campaign back in December. That list includes eight current or former members of the House of Delegates. View the full list here.
The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters endorsed Elizabeth Guzman from Prince William County as she is vying for the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor.
“Virginia is historically one of the worst states in the country when it comes to workers' rights, but Elizabeth Guzman is a union sister who defies that history,” said Anthony N. Abrantes, political director for the Carpenters. “Elizabeth passed historic legislation to lift Virginia’s ban on public sector collective bargaining and was the chief co-patron of the bill to raise Virginia’s minimum wage. She has introduced a paid sick days bill every year since taking office and has fought to strengthen our workers’ comp system to cover repetitive motion injuries. She is leading the fight to repeal Virginia’s right-to-work law, has fought against tax fraud, misclassification and the wage theft of workers on construction sites, and will fight to require localities to use prevailing wages based on collectively-bargained rates on their construction projects. Our sister Elizabeth has unabashedly offered her voice, her power, and her platform to working people every time she has the opportunity, and we enthusiastically endorse her campaign for lieutenant governor.”
The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters represents 2,000 members in Virginia. Guzman has also been endorsed by AFSCME District Council 20and CASA in Action, the largest electoral organization fighting for immigrants’ rights in the Mid-Atlantic.
Honorable Mention:
Former presidential candidate and Oprah ally Marianne Williamson shared her support of Del. Lee Carter as he is seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor. Williamson shared Carter’s official campaign announcement adding, “He is so right. Let’s help him win!”