Virginia attorney general focused on 2024 as lieutenant governor jumps into 2025 race

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said he is focused on helping Republicans win in this year's election , even as attention in the state shifts to the 2025 gubernatorial race.

Virginia's gubernatorial election is not until November 2025, but Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R-VA) stepped up Thursday. Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) cannot run for a second term in the executive mansion, as state law does not allow for someone to serve consecutive terms, which means the GOP will be fielding a new nominee.

Miyares said in a statement Thursday evening that he is intent on seeing Democrats defeated in the various federal elections in November before making his own decision about 2025.

pic.twitter.com/xbjKGheJuw

"Our nation cannot afford four more years of the failed policies of Biden and Harris," he said. "My focus right now is on November 2024 and electing as many Republicans in Virginia as we can."

"It is clear that we cannot allow Democrats to seize complete control of power in Washington and in Richmond," Miyares added. "We all need to be focused on this November's elections before even thinking about next year."

Miyares could run for governor, lieutenant governor, or seek reelection to his current position as attorney general, which does not have term limits. When he was elected Virginia attorney general in 2021, Miyares became the first Hispanic to hold the office.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Earle-Sears announced her campaign for governor Thursday after filing paperwork with the Virginia Department of Elections on Wednesday. If elected, Earle-Sears would become the first black female governor in the United States.

The only prominent Democrat who is currently running for governor in 2025 is Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA).