Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has opted not to run for president.
After months of speculation, McAuliffe announced on Wednesday night that he would not seek the Democratic nomination in 2020. He revealed the news during an exclusive interview with CNN’s Chris Cuomo.
McAuliffe had been considering a bid since leaving his role as Governor in January 2018 and recently seemed to be leaning towards declaring. Last week, he appeared at an event with union leaders and attracted substantial press coverage with his comments.
“Of all the candidates running, how many have actually wrestled a 280 pound, 8-foot alligator for a political contribution?” McAuliffe said. “I’m your man, folks . . . If I can wrestle an alligator, I can certainly wrestle Donald Trump!”
Instead of wrestling with Trump, McAuliffe said he would focus on flipping Virginia blue this November.
This is likely welcome news for Virginia Democrats, some of whom had made clear that his help was needed in the Commonwealth after a series of scandals roiled the Democratic Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General.
All 100 seats in the House of Delegates are on the ballot in November, as are all 40 Senate Seats. Republicans currently hold a 51-49 advantage in the House and a 21-19 edge in the Senate, but Democrats are hoping to flip both houses and gain their first trifecta since 1993.
McAuliffe, a renowned fundraiser, will no doubt play a key role in that fight.
Politics
Democratic shakeup in Virginia primaries for governor, lieutenant governor
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney quit his bid for governor and jumped into the race to be the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor. The race for...
New Biden rule protects privacy of women seeking abortions
Under the new rules, state officials and law enforcement cannot obtain medical records related to lawful reproductive health care with the goal of...
Local News
Virginia verses: Celebrating 5 poetic icons for National Poetry Month
There’s no shortage of great writers when it comes to our commonwealth. From the haunting verses of Edgar Allan Poe, who found solace in Richmond's...
Join the fun: Recapping Family Literacy Night’s storybook adventures
When’s the last time you read a book aloud with a loved one? If it’s difficult to answer that question, then maybe it’s time to dust off that TBR...