Herrity quits race for lieutenant governor
Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity, the lone Republican on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, has ended his bid for lieutenant governor of Virginia, citing health reasons.
In the weeks since he had heart surgery on March 13 to repair a genetic defect, “I have had several complications that have impacted my recovery time,” Herrity wrote on Facebook on April 22. “My doctors are still predicting a full recovery but I have come to realize it will be much slower than anticipated.”
“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,” he said.
Herrity’s decision to quit the race leaves John Reid, the host of a radio show on NewsRadio WRVA in Richmond, the only Republican candidate for lieutenant governor. According to his website, Reid is “the founder and chairman of the Virginia Council, where he leads a team of educators and activists committed to preserving Virginia’s cultural heritage and best traditions.”
On the Democratic side, former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger is running for governor and six candidates running for lieutenant governor will face off in the Democratic Primary: Former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (Richmond), state Sen. Aaron Rouse (Virginia Beach), Prince William County School Board Chair Babur Lateef, former federal prosecutor Victor Salgado, and attorney and union leader Alex Bastani.
Two candidates for attorney general will appear on the Democratic Primary ballot: Former member of the House of Delegates Jay Jones (Norfolk) and Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor.
The Democratic Primary is June 17. Early voting begins May 2.
The Republicans are not holding a primary because they have a single candidate for each of the three statewide offices. Lieutenant Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears is running for governor. Attorney General Jason Miyares is running for re-election.
In the general election, on Nov. 4, all 100 seats in the House of Delegates will be on the ballot.
