BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE FREE LANCE-STAR
WHEN Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Woodbridge, announced in late May that she was throwing her hat in the 2021 gubernatorial ring, she was the first Democrat out of the gate, and if she wins, she would be the first Black female governor in Virginia history. âIn order for there to be a trail, there has to be someone whoâs willing to blaze it,â she said, explaining why she successfully ran for delegate in 2017 while pregnant with twins.
But now, after representing the 2nd District in the House of Delegatesâwhich includes parts of North Stafford and Prince William countiesâin the General Assembly since 2018, Carroll Foy is stepping away from her duties as a legislator, leaving the voters who reelected her in 2019 in the lurch. What happened to that can-do spirit?
Heather Michell is hoping the second time the charm, as the Republican makes her making a second run at the Virginia House of Delegates in a Special Election on January 5.
After current seatholder, Mitchell quickly became the GOP nominee, Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy (D) said she would resign from the position to focus full-time on her run for Virginia Governor in 2021.
Mitchell lost to Carroll Foy by more than 20 points in November 2019. Since then, things have changed, to include a global pandemic, and she’s now hoping to connect with voters during an abridged election season of less than a month.
Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, center, vows to raise teacher pay as he launches his campaign Wednesday outside Miles Jones Elementary School in South Side. Joining him are, from left, Richmond educator Dr. Milondra b. Coleman, Virginia House Majority Leader Charniele L. Herring of Alexandria, state Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth and Mayor Levar M. Stoney. Photo by Regina H. Boone
Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe has been saying for months he wants his old job back.
On Wednesday, Mr. McAuliffe made his bid official.
He formally jumped into the crowded field of Democratic rivals as he launched his bid to win the partyâs nomination to run for a second, four-year term and take on energized Republicans who are expected to choose a candidate who can strongly vie for the stateâs top office.
McAuliffe announces candidacy for a 2nd Virginia Governor term Photo: WINA
RICHMOND (WINA) – As many have expected, former Governor Terry McAuliffe officially launched his campaign Wednesday morning to become the second Governor in the modern era to serve a 2nd term. The only Governor to every serve two terms since the 1851 rewrite of Virginia Constitution was Mills Godwin in 1966 and 1974. His first term, he served as a Democrat, and he was a Republican his second. The constitution doesn’t allow two consecutive terms, but does allow non-consecutive.
He announced the candidacy along with two legislative leaders. Portsmouth State Senator Louise Lucas, who is President Pro Temp in that chamber, said she drove to McLean after the November election to make sure McAuliffe was going to run. The former Governor had filed paperwork to run back in August. Also present, along with Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney to support McAuliffe, was House Majority Leader Charneille Herring.