Virginia Republican announces gubernatorial run

Amanda Chase, Mark Peake
State Sens. Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield, left, and Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, look over the budget proposals during a break in the Senate session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, May 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Virginia Republican state senator says she’s running for governor next year as an unabashed conservative on a platform of promoting gun rights.

Sen. Amanda Chase, of Chesterfield County, announced her candidacy Monday to a crowd of about 100 outside the Capitol on Monday, saying voters were unhappy with the state’s new liberal direction under a Democratic majority.

Current Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, is not able to seek a consecutive term under state law.

A populist who often clashes with members of her own party, Chase represents a conservative district near Richmond and easily won reelection last year. But she faces strong headwinds in a statewide race.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up