Aaron Rouse announces candidacy for Virginia Lieutenant Governor

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Virginia Senator Aaron Rouse has announced Tuesday morning he is running for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

The announcement comes shortly after Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney also announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor.

“With extreme Republicans fixated on stripping our fundamental freedoms and funding corporate tax breaks on the backs of everyday Virginians, and Donald Trump on the ballot again, there is no margin for error,” Rouse said. “Democrats must retake control of our statewide offices in 2025.”

Rouse, born in Norfolk, has been a member of the Senate for District 22 since 2023. Previously, he served on the Virginia Beach City Council from 2019 through 2022.

“I’ve built my career on winning in tough spots when it matters – whether it be under the glare of NFL lights or flipping the State Senate seat needed to ensure we blocked Republicans’ assaults on reproductive freedom and voting rights,” Rouse said. “Virginia is ready for a new generation of leaders to step up. That’s why I am running to be the next Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Leaders from across the Commonwealth, including Senate President pro tempore Louise Lucas and Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke, have endorsed Rouse for his run for Lieutenant Governor.

“When Aaron Rouse was elected, it guaranteed that no abortion ban would make it past our pro-choice brick wall in the Virginia Senate,” Lucas said. “He has held the line against Republican attacks on a woman’s right to choose, on Virginia workers, on public education, and so much more. Aaron has had my back in the Senate, and I am prod to endorse his campaign for Lieutenant Governor.”

“Aaron Rouse represents the next generation of leadership that Virginia needs. We are making progress with our Democratic majorities in the General Assembly but not fast enough,” Locke said. “We need change at the top in order to move our Commonwealth forward. From protecting abortion rights to saving our democracy from another Trump Presidency, we need a fighter. And Aaron Ruse knows how to fight and win.”

Check with WAVY.com for more updates.

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