On Monday former Governor Bob McDonnell endorsed Ed Gillespie for Governor. Thirty-five leaders in Hampton Roads joined in the endorsement. Governor McDonnell said:
Ed Gillespie is a conservative leader with a vision and policy agenda that can unite all Virginians across the Commonwealth. He understands that the first priority of the governor is to strengthen our economy and create opportunity for all Virginians. He has started to lay out a sweeping policy agenda that will put the Commonwealth on the right path. More than anything, Ed is committed to being a tireless governor working to grow opportunities for all Virginians. Ed has my emphatic support, and I am confident he will be our next governor.”
Senator John Cosgrove (R-Chesapeake) said:
“Virginians need a governor who will cut taxes and recreate the pro-business environment that we have missed the last four years. Ed’s commitment to cutting taxes and promoting business will improve jobs and the economy for Hampton Roads and all of the Commonwealth.”
York County-Poquoson Sheriff Danny Diggs said
“Ed Gillespie is the only candidate who will provide law enforcement with the vital resources they need to keep our communities safe. He is the best candidate for governor.”
Williamsburg City Councilman Benny Zhang said
As a millennial, I greatly appreciate that Ed Gillespie put forward a plan to let us keep more of what we earn and is working to prepare Virginia for the 21st-century economy. As an elected official, I have been impressed by Ed’s policy know-how and solutions-oriented campaign that will mean betterment for Virginians from all walks of life. I am proud to give Ed my support.”
Read more endorsements here.
The full list of Hampton Roads area endorsements for Gillespie:
Governor Bob McDonnell
Former Congressman Randy Forbes
Senator Tommy Norment
Senator John Cosgrove
Former State Senator Jeff McWaters
Delegate Gordon Helsel
Delegate Chris Jones
Delegate Barry Knight
Delegate Jay Leftwich
Delegate Jason Miyares
Delegate Chris Stolle
Delegate Ron Villanueva
Honorable Christie Craig, Chesapeake School Board
Honorable Sam Boone, Chesapeake School Board
Honorable Colleen Leary, Chesapeake School Board
Honorable Victoria Proffitt, Chesapeake School Board
Mayor Alan Krasnoff, Chesapeake
Vice Mayor Rick West, Chesapeake
Councilman John De Triquet, Chesapeake
Councilman Robert Ike, Chesapeake
Councilman Lonnie Craig, Chesapeake
Councilwoman Debbie Ritter, Chesapeake
Honorable Colin Stolle, Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney
Councilwoman Jessica Abbott, Virginia Beach
Councilman John Moss, Virginia Beach
Councilman Bobby Dyer, Virginia Beach
Councilwoman Pat Woodbury, Newport News
Sheriff Danny Diggs, York County-Poquoson
Honorable Sandra Young, James City County School Board
Supervisor Sue Sadler, James City County
Councilman Benny Zhang, Williamsburg
Honorable Louis Tayon, Chesapeake School Board
Councilman Thomas Cannella, Poquoson
Sheriff Robert Deeds, James City County-Williamsburg
Sheriff Jim O’Sullivan, Chesapeake
Commissioner of Revenue Ray Conner, Chesapeake
“Gillespie is also endorsed by 62 of the 87 Republican members of the General Assembly, a majority of the State Central Committee, and more than 30 local unit chairs. Find a full list of endorsements here. The campaign has also signed up nearly 6,000 committed volunteers and supporters.”
UPDATE: Today the grassroots group, The Middle Resolution, has endorsed Ed Gillespie.
“Ed has pledged to be a governor for ALL Virginians,” said Al Jackson. “He has put together a campaign staff that is capable of helping him win not only the nomination but to win the governor’s seat in the next election. We are super excited and pleased to endorse Ed Gillespie for governor of the great state of Virginia.”
More on The Middle Resolution’s endorsement here.