Photos from internet campaign sites
Vote by June 17;
in person early voting until June 14;
request mailed ballot by June 6.
More Details
www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/calendars-schedules/upcoming-elections.html
Democrats will hold a Primary Election on June 17 to select their candidates for Lt. Governor and Attorney General. Early voting is open now through June 14. Virginians go to the polls this November to select new top state officials: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. The slate for the parties’ gubernatorial candidates is set: Democrat - Abigail Spanberger; Republican- Winsome Earle-Sears; Independent - Andrew White. Republicans have single candidates for Lt Governor - John Reid, and for Attorney General - Jason Miyares.
Many voters may be attempting to differentiate between the candidates who ascribe to the same Democrat party philosophies. In making a choice for your vote, one might consider each candidate’s past experience to identify elements important to you. Did he/she hold a past government office, align with a union, participate with a particular volunteer group or association? Is law experience, a historical development ground for politicians, important to you or are you looking for a different background? Is there a particular issue of importance to you on which the candidate has taken a position?
A brief summary of the six Democratic Lt. Governor and two Attorney General candidates running in the Democratic primary is provided here. To find more in-depth information, see campaign web sites.
Democratic Primary Candidates for Lt. Governor
The lieutenant governor serves as the president of the Senate of Virginia, running the Senate sessions when the body meets; and votes only to break ties. The lieutenant governor is first in the line of succession to the governorship if the governor dies, resigns or leaves office. The elected position was created by the Virginia Constitution of 1851. Between 1776 and that time, a Speaker of the Senate had been chosen by its elected members. The position is part-time with a salary set by the Virginia Constitution at $36,321. There have been 42 lieutenant governors in history, including during the Confederacy. Some have gone on to serve as governor or to other political offices.
The candidates are:
Alex Bastani
Worked as an economist for the Department of Labor; served as local union president; experience as an attorney, and character actor. Education: Law degree, George Mason University, 1994; Bachelor, George Washington University. Lives in Arlington.
https://progressivevirginiansforalexbastani.com/
Sen. Ghazala Hashmi
First elected to the Senate in 2019; and currently elected as Senator for District 15 with a term through 2028. The first Muslim and first Asian American in the Virginia Senate. Thirty year career as a professor, teaching at Reynolds Community College, and the University of Richmond. Education: PhD in American literature from Emory University; Bachelor, Georgia Southern University. Lives in Chesterfield County.
https://ghazalaforvirginia.com/
Dr. Babur Lateef
Physician and owner of Advanced Ophthalmology Inc; currently elected as member at large for Prince William County School Board from 2018 to 2028. Education: Northeast Ohio University College of Medicine; Bachelor, Youngstown State University. Lives in Prince William County.
Sen. Aaron Rouse
First elected to Senate in a special election from 2023 to 2024; currently elected to Senate District 22, 2024-2028. Served as at large member of Virginia Beach City Council, 2019-2022. Former NFL/UFL professional athlete. Founder of non-profit organization, Rouse’s House. Education: Bachelor, Polytechnic Institute and State University. Lives in Virginia Beach.
Victor Salgado
Worked as Senior Litigation Counsel for the Department of Justice, Public Integrity Section, and as adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center. Education: Law degree from Wisconsin Law School; Bachelor, George Washington University. Lives in Arlington County.
https://www.victorforvirginia.com/
LeVar Stoney
Former mayor of Richmond, 2016 - January 2025; first African-American Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth, 2014-2016. Education: Bachelor, James Madison University. Lives in Richmond.
Democratic Primary Candidates for Attorney General
The Attorney General of Virginia is the Commonwealth’s legal representative and chief law enforcement officer. The primary duties include managing a legal staff, and providing legal advice and representation to the governor, members of the General Assembly, and other state agencies and officials; enforcing state laws, and conducting investigations into various criminal activities. The position is full-time for four years and without term limits. The current salary is $150,000. The candidates, by law, must be at least 30 years old, a US citizen, and have been a member of the Virginia bar for at least five years prior to election.
The two Democrat candidates are:
Shannon Taylor
Currently serves as Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County, elected in 2011. Serves as president, Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney Association. Education: Law degree, University of Virginia Law School, 1995, Bachelor University of Virginia. Lives in Henrico County.
Jay Jones
Currently a practicing trial attorney; served as state delegate for District 89, 2018-2021. Formerly an Assistant Attorney General in DC for the Office of Consumer Protection. Education: Law degree, University of Virginia, 2015; Bachelor, in history and government, William and Mary University. Lives in Norfolk.
More details
https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/calendars-schedules/upcoming-elections.html
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