Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney has decided to suspend his ambitions for the governor’s mansion, at least for the time being.
In a statement posted to X, the Democrat announced his decision to run for lieutenant governor and reiterated his commitment to helping Democrats reclaim Virginia’s state executive offices in 2025.
Tuesday’s decision makes Rep. Abigail Spanbeger the presumptive Democratic nominee in all but name.
Stoney’s decision means the party can avoid what could have been an ugly primary, giving Spanberger additional time to make her case to the narrow sliver of persuadable voters.
“Given everything at stake in the next Governor’s race — from reproductive rights to education funding and tax fairness — I believe this is a time when Democrats must stand united and avoid an ugly primary for governor,” Stoney noted in his statement – which did not address Spanbeger by name.
InsideNoVa.com continues:
Spanberger had significantly outraised Stoney and accumulated more endorsements from Democratic leaders since announcing her campaign in the fall.
“While there was a path to victory it was a narrow path,” Stoney said, “and, after consideration, I firmly believe that running for LG is the right move for me and my family, the right move for the Democratic Party, the right move for the future of the commonwealth of Virginia.”
Other Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor include current Prince William County School Board Chair Babur Lateef. Another Democrat, state Sen. Aaron Rouse of Virginia Beach, announced his campaign for lieutenant governor Tuesday morning.
Republicans likely to run for governor next year include current Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears and current Attorney Gen. Jason Miyares.
Spanberger will leave Congress at the end of this term to focus on the gubernatorial contest. The open 7th District is considered one of a few perennial swing seats that will determine control of Congress next January.
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