Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Wednesday officially returned to the political fray, announcing he is seeking another term in the governor’s mansion in Richmond.
“I am running for governor again to think big and be bold and to take the Commonwealth of Virginia to the next level and lift up all Virginias,” Mr. McAuliffe said.
He said his campaign would focus on the state making an “unprecedented investment” in education. He vowed to funnel $2 billion a year into schools to bolster teacher pay and expand access to pre-school
“The one thing that has the opportunity to lift up all Virginia is education,” he said.
“If this pandemic told us anything we cannot tinker around the edges,” the 63-year-old Democrat said. “Folks, it is time for a new Virginia way.”
Mr. McAuliffe served as governor from 2014 to 2018. Virginia is the only state in the country that bans its governors from seeking consecutive terms in office.
Mr. McAuliffe cut his teeth as a close confidante of Bill and Hillary Clinton.
He developed a reputation for being a prolific fundraiser and served as head of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2005.
But it’s unclear how broad his support is among Democratic primary voters today. Mr. McAuliffe largely governed as a centrist, and some of his business-friendly policies and actions as governor may alienate the party’s progressive wing.
And to win the Democratic nomination, Mr. McAuliffe would have to defeat three Black candidates who have said the state is ready for new leadership.
Stae Sen. Louise Lucas, a Black lawmaker who is set to serve as a co-chair for the McAuliffe campaign, said the state is facing “desperate times” during the coronavirus pandemic and a faltering economy. She said Mr. McAuliffe has proven he can fix things.
“I want somebody that I know can deliver,” Ms. Lucas said.
She added that Mr. McAuliffe plans to make improving public education the top priority of his campaign.
Other announced Democratic candidates for governor include state Sen. Jennifer McClellan and Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, either of whom would be the nation’s first Black woman to lead a state. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax also is running.
On the Republican side, former House Speaker Kirk Cox has announced he’s running for governor. GOP state Sen. Amanda Chase has said she’s running as an independent.
⦁ This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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