Levar Stoney announced run for Virginia governor in 2025. While announcing his candidature, Levar Stoney emphasized his experience as a two-term executive and promised to be a practical advocate for equality and progress.
In a video release, the 42-year-old Stoney highlighted his humble beginnings and the challenges he faced to become the first person in his family to complete high school and college.
He stated that his motivation for running for governor is to provide opportunities for families like his own and for children, like himself, who can excel in school with the right opportunities.
Levar Stoney announced run for Virginia governor in 2025. That’s why I’m running for governor. For families like mine that just need an opportunity. For kids like me, who will thrive in school if they just get the right chance. For parents like my dad, who work multiple jobs and still struggle to live a secure, middle-class life.”
Stoney’s participation in the race initiates a competition for the Democratic nomination against U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer who has successfully built a reputation as a politician who seeks bipartisan agreement throughout her three terms in Congress.
Currently, no Republicans have officially announced their campaigns; however, Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears are considered strong contenders. Due to state regulations, GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin is ineligible to run for a second consecutive term.
During his video announcement and an interview, Stoney expressed his disapproval of Youngkin’s leadership, claiming that it does not align with the values of voters.
Stoney stated, “I believe many people in Virginia are tired of having a governor who prioritizes banning abortion, censoring books, and implementing voter restrictions, instead of focusing on improving economic opportunities for individuals to move up the socioeconomic ladder and into the middle class.”
Youngkin’s press office defended his track record, citing his strong approval ratings. Additionally, the Republican Party of Virginia labeled Stoney as a “far-left radical,” claiming that he failed as the mayor of Richmond and would be detrimental to Virginia if elected.
With his extensive experience in Virginia politics spanning twenty years, Stoney previously served as the first Black secretary of the Commonwealth as well.
Stoney’s role involved overseeing the restoration of voting and civil rights for felons who had completed their sentences, an effort that McAuliffe considered the most important achievement of his term.
Stoney then won a competitive race in 2016 and became the youngest mayor of Richmond. He was successfully re-elected in 2020.
In his gubernatorial campaign, Stoney highlighted his efforts to address long-standing issues in Richmond, such as improving the city’s finances, infrastructure, and education system, and reducing poverty.
He also emphasized his role in directing the removal of Confederate monuments in response to the racial justice protests following George Floyd’s killing.
Stoney would be the second African-American to serve as governor if elected, and he believes that with his work and executive experience, he is the “only candidate that can campaign everywhere”.
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