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Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity announced his campaign for Virginia lieutenant governor on Friday, Jan. 3, positioning himself as a Republican who can attract votes in heavily Democratic Northern Virginia.
“Republicans can win in November, but we need someone who can deliver votes in Northern Virginia,” Herrity said. “I’ve won here before, and I will do it again for the ticket.”
Herrity, 64, has represented the Springfield District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for more than 15 years. His district includes West Springfield, Clifton, Fair Oaks and portions of Fairfax and Burke.
He is the only Republican currently elected to office in Fairfax County and has been the county board’s lone GOP member since former Braddock District Supervisor John Cook retired at the end of 2019.
Herrity was first elected in 2007 and has won four reelection campaigns, most recently securing another term in 2023 with 54% of the vote. His campaign noted that Gov. Glenn Youngkin received 38% in the same district.
In his announcement, Herrity described himself as a “common sense candidate” capable of providing a counterweight to the Democratic-controlled county board.
“I’m the liberal board’s worst nightmare,” he said in his campaign video. “Not only am I their worst nightmare, I get things done.”
Herrity said his priorities would include lowering taxes, supporting law enforcement and directing more education funding toward students and teachers rather than administrative demands and political agendas. His tax proposals include repealing the car tax and ending taxes on tips.
He also pledged to challenge prosecutors he accused of releasing repeat violent offenders and to cut state funding for localities that restrict cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Youngkin has proposed a similar policy that could affect Fairfax County.
During his time on the Board of Supervisors, Herrity has advocated for greater law-enforcement funding, measures addressing panhandling and investments in sports tourism.
Herrity had confirmed in November that he was considering entering the contest. At the time, he said Virginia voters wanted practical answers to everyday problems and argued that his electoral record in Fairfax demonstrated the appeal of that approach.
The lieutenant governor presides over the Virginia Senate and is first in the line of succession if the governor cannot serve.
Herrity is the second Republican to enter the race, joining Williamsburg business consultant John Curran. They are seeking to succeed Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running for governor.
The Democratic field includes state Sens. Ghazala Hashmi and Aaron Rouse, Prince William County School Board Chair Babur Lateef, former federal prosecutor Victor Salgado and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney.
Herrity said he wants Republicans to continue the direction established by Youngkin, Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares, supporting Sears for governor and Miyares for reelection in 2025.