See below for dueling endorsements heading into the first Virginia Democratic Attorney General debate – at 7 pm today, between Del. Jay Jones (endorsed by former AG Mary Sue Terry) and incumbent AG Mark Herring (endorsed by House Majority Leader Charniele Herring) – of 2021.
UPDATE 3:35 pm – It looks like it’s just going to be Jay Jones tonight…
VIDEO: HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER CHARNIELE HERRING ENDORSES ATTORNEY GENERAL MARK HERRING FOR RE-ELECTION
Attorney General Mark Herring is “not just about the talk, he walks the walk,” says Virginia House Majority Leader Charniele Herring.
LEESBURG, Va. – This afternoon, Attorney General Mark Herring’s re-election campaign released a new endorsement video featuring Virginia House Majority Leader Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria).
“Mark Herring really does care. He’s not just about the talk, he walks the walk,” said Virginia House Majority Leader Charniele Herring. “He’s led on criminal justice reform and ending police violence, he’s fought the trump administraiton to protect our healthcare, ending the muslim ban, won on marriage equality and fought confederate propaganda. For Attorney General, I stand with Mark Herring.”
“Majority Leader Herring has been a crucial partner in advancing landmark civil rights legislation through the House of Delegates, and I’m honored to have her support,” said Attorney General Mark Herring. “With the Office of Civil Rights set to be established, I look forward to working with Majority Leader Herring to root out systemic inequities and continue to build off of the progressive framework we’ve laid over the next four years.”
Delegate Charniele Herring made history in 2018, becoming the first woman, and the first African American to serve as Majority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates. In 2012, she became the first African American to ever serve as Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia. Herring has represented the 46th District of the Virginia House of Delegates since 2009.
***********
Former Attorney General Mary Sue Terry Endorses Delegate Jay Jones for AG
This morning, former Attorney General Mary Sue Terry, the first and only woman ever elected to statewide office in Virginia, formally backed Delegate Jay Jones’ campaign for Attorney General. Mary Sue Terry released the following statement:
“As our Commonwealth and our nation grapple with a long-overdue awakening on racism and inequality, we need leaders like Jay Jones who have a vision for transforming the Attorney General office to confront these challenges. That’s why I’m endorsing Jay Jones to be Virginia’s next Attorney General. I know from experience that Jay is accessible, a good listener and that he values what’s right over what’s politically expedient.”
“Mary Sue Terry was a trailblazer and one of the most popular elected officials of her time, and I am beyond honored to receive her support,” said Delegate Jay Jones. “As Attorney General, Mary Sue Terry led from the front. From women’s rights to protecting our environment, Mary Sue Terry made Virginia a more progessive Commonwealth for all. I consider her to be the most consequential and successful Attorney General that Virginia has ever seen. I look forward to following her lead and bringing a return to bold Democratic leadership to the Attorney General’s Office.”
Mary Sue Terry served as Attorney General from 1986 to 1993, was the first woman elected to statewide office in Virginia, and was the first Virginian to lead the National Association of Attorneys General. Before 2013, Mary Sue Terry was the only other Democrat elected to the office in 35 years. Prior to serving as AG, Mary Sue served in the Virginia House of Delegates and as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney. Throughout her career, Mary Sue prioritized women’s rights, insurance rate reform, and keeping our drinking water safe. Mary Sue Terry now resides in Patrick County, VA.
Jay Jones is a state Delegate from Norfolk who has championed justice reform, consumer protections, and defending our environment. If elected, Jay would be Virginia’s first Black AG.
Sign up for the Blue Virginia weekly newsletter
