(The Center Square) – The race for Virginia’s next lieutenant governor is coming into focus, with Republicans finalizing their primary field and Democratic contenders pulling in sizeable fundraising hauls ahead of the June 17 primary.
On the Republican side, Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity and conservative radio host John Reid are officially on the ballot. John Curran, who reported raising more than $1 million and having $1 million in cash in hand, failed to qualify according to state records.
Reid, who entered the race weeks after others due to his radio job, said his team submitted over 10,000 signatures. A former aide in Ronald Reagan’s administration and longtime WRVA host, Reid stated he’s offering “reasonable and responsible Republican policies” and is endorsed by former Virginia governors George Allen and Jim Gilmore.
Herrity, a longtime elected official in Northern Virginia, announced that he had raised over $500,000 in the first quarter. His campaign has leaned into public safety and border enforcement. “Democrats are chomping at the bit to stop our progress and pushing a progressive agenda that hurts Virginia families,” he said in a recent social media post, calling for Republicans to take back the House of Delegates as well.
On the Democratic side, six candidates have qualified for the ballot, all with strong policy goals and impressive fundraising totals.
Aaron Rouse, a Virginia state senator and former city council member, has raised nearly $786,000. Rouse has prioritized economic development, public safety, and education and says it’s more important than ever to “stand up for the rule of law, our democracy, and our shared values.” He referred to President Trump and Elon Musk being on a dangerous “power grab.”
Levar Stoney, the former Richmond mayor, focuses on affordable housing, education and support for the working class. Stoney has brought in $976,000. Stoney says he’s the “fighter who will punch back against Donald Trump and Elon Musk — and deliver real results for the people.”
Ghazala Hashmi, a state senator from Chesterfield advocating for healthcare access and environmental sustainability, has raised over $750,000. “We are in a moment of historical crisis,” she wrote online. “We have a criminal in the White House.”
Babur Lateef, chair of the Prince William County School Board, raised $572,000 and has emphasized inclusive economic growth and education.
A former Department of Justice attorney, Victor Salgado, says he is “stepping up to serve all Virginians as your next Lt. Gov. and fight back against Trump, Elon, and the hate coming from DC.” Salgado is a champion for the Virginia Workers Freedom Act, which advocates for workers’ rights and dignity.
Alex Bastani, an attorney and progressive organizer, called his campaign the only one fighting for universal healthcare, student debt relief and the repeal of right-to-work laws. “This wasn’t done by lobbyists in glass towers,” he said after submitting his 15,000 petition signatures.
The 2025 lieutenant governor race also includes independent candidate Marlow Jones, a Petersburg city councilman first elected in 2022. Jones frames his campaign as a call to public service and inclusive governance and says he wants to be a “unified voice” to help bridge divides in communities across Virginia.
The lieutenant governor presides over the Virginia Senate and serves a four-year term, and the role has no term limits.
