(The Center Square) – Former Virginia Delegate Dave LaRock is campaigning for governor with a plan to create the Virginia Department of Government Efficiency. LaRock is branding it as a strategy to cut government spending and increase oversight.
“As Governor, I will clean up this mess. No more excuses. No more waste. It’s time for real leadership, solutions, and a vision for Virginia, not more exaggerated rhetoric,” LaRock said.
With Gov. Glenn Youngkin term-limited, the race for governor features Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a former U.S. representative, and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, the current lieutenant governor, whom LaRock is challenging in the GOP primary.
LaRock noted the need to establish a task force specifically dedicated to reducing waste, lowering costs and ensuring transparency in Virginia’s government.
His VaDOGE would include a comprehensive breakdown of administration spending on higher education to maintain affordable tuition and reduce bureaucracy.
The former delegate cited a recent audit as evidence of the need for reform, pointing to over 1,500 overdue facility repairs and $88,000 in unpaid invoices dating back over a decade.
LaRock argues that a lack of oversight and accountability has led to inefficiencies that burden taxpayers.
The plan also calls for conducting performance reviews of state agencies, modernizing technology and using data-driven solutions to enhance service delivery while minimizing costs.
LaRock’s VaDOGE task force would also examine county and municipal budgets to promote transparency and identify potential savings for the commonwealth. LaRock emphasizes the importance of smarter utilization of federal funds to prevent misuse and ensure resources effectively benefit the public.
However, details on how VaDOGE would be structured and funded remain unclear. LaRock has not specified whether it would operate as an independent oversight body or be included within an existing government agency.
LaRock’s campaign said in an email to The Center Square that the details of VaDOGE are still being developed as he continues to gather feedback from Virginians on how to improve government efficiency.
The program would create a more scrutinized path by proposing a leaner government structure that would prioritize accountability and fiscal responsibility.
The effectiveness of the VaDOGE proposal will depend on its implementation and the collaboration among state agencies, institutions and local governments.
