NORFOLK, Va. — Two new candidates have joined the race for Virginia Lieutenant Governor: State Senator Aaron Rouse and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney.
Stoney previously threw his hat in the governor’s race but decided to switch races, he announced Tuesday. Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef announced his candidacy for Lt. Governor in March. All three men are Democrats.
Rouse is a familiar face in the 757; he previously served on the Virginia Beach City Council before becoming a State Senator.
“When I talk about, again, leading the effort for this next generation of leaders, I’m doing it with action. I’m standing on my record from the local level as well as the two sessions I have at the state and I’m looking forward to moving Virginia forward,” he told 13News Now Tuesday afternoon, shortly after he announced his candidacy.
Two big-name Democrats are backing Rouse’s campaign: State Senators Louise Lucas and Mamie Locke. Both previously endorsed Stoney for Governor.
“I’m so proud to have the endorsement of two of the highest-ranking African American women in Virginia’s history,” said Rouse.
Stoney, who also has Hampton Roads ties, faced a tough challenge in the gubernatorial race against fellow Democrat, Representative Abigail Spanberger, who has already raised more than $3.6 million compared to Stoney’s $750,000.
He said after careful consideration and to avoid a costly primary, he’s bowing out of the race to instead run for Lt. Governor.
“There’s a lot at stake in 2025 and a bruising primary campaign would not have been beneficial to my campaign, to Abigail Spanberger’s campaign, or the Democratic party,” he told 13News Now. “We have to make sure that we’re lifting folks up and giving access to the middle class and the best way to do that is to do it unified and united behind one candidate and that’s why I’m doing this and running for Lt. Governor.”
In a statement, Senator Locke said gubernatorial endorsements are not transferrable and she wishes Stoney the best.
Stoney’s political mentor, former Governor Terry McAuliffe, endorsed Stoney in the gubernatorial race. McAuliffe then thew his support behind Lateef for Lt. Governor before Stoney switched into that race. Stoney said McAuliffe is now supporting both men.
“We’re gonna focus on getting the endorsements and support of all the electeds across the state, we’ll take it one day at a time,” said Stoney. “I’m going to focus on gaining the endorsement of the working families out there all across the state, whether they’re in Hampton Roads, in the Richmond metro, northern Virginia, all throughout the Commonwealth.”
Lateef is an eye surgeon in Northern Virginia. He’s served on the school board since 2018. As Lt. Governor he says he wants to strengthen schools across the state.
Rouse said he’s looking forward to the race.
“This is about showing strong leadership, leading Virginia forward and I’m the perfect man to do it,” he said.
He said if elected, he’ll protect women’s rights and voting rights and lift up public education.
“I’m excited about running. Again, I have a proud record to stand on,” said Rouse. “What our Commonwealth of Virginia needs is somebody who is going to excite the base.”
Stoney said he wants to continue to advocate for working-class families and invest in public education.
“I want to make sure we build trust back into our education system but also invest in public education. I also want to make sure that we’re able to invest period and that means we’re looking at tax fairness.”
Current Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earl-Sears has not announced her future plans yet. Virginia lieutenant governors can run for consecutive terms, unlike governors.
Stoney's announcement leaves Representative Abigail Spanberger without any competition right now for the Democratic ticket. There's only one Republican officially filed for the race right now: Virginia Beach native Merle Rutledge.
However, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Earl-Sears are seen as likely contenders in 2025.
The Chairman of the Virginia Republican party suggested Democrats were jumping in too early and said the GOP will present a strong ticket for the governor's race.