Needless to say, there is much speculation as to who will replace Republican Tom Garrett to run for Congress in the 5th district. More than a few people would like to see Nick Freitas run for the seat. He could then endorse EW Jackson as our Senate candidate. That could be enough to ensure the nomination for Jackson over Corey Stewart. But it appears Martha Bonet is about to declare her candidacy.
This from her Facebook page at 10:00 this evening:
Dear Family of Friends:
The 5th Congressional District is family. I am making a BIG announcement on the John Fredericks Show tomorrow. If you have not read Blue Virginia’s article about “far-right-wing activist Martha Boneta”, here it is for your reading pleasure. They included 14 pictures of me with members of the Trump family, Republican leadership, candidates and others.I love Virginia with all my heart.
I am a proud American and I’m not afraid to speak truth to power.
God bless you all dear friends. God bless America. Home of the free because of the brave.
The Washington Post speculates on who might be the new candidate in the 5th:
Republican observers of Virginia politics have said possible candidates from the General Assembly could be state Sen. William M. Stanley Jr. (Franklin), Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel (Fauquier), Sen. Bryce E. Reeves (Fredericksburg) and Del. Robert B. Bell (Albemarle). Tech executive Michael Del Rosso and businessman and developer Jim McKelvey sought the GOP nomination in 2016 and could also be interested, along with distillery owner Denver Riggleman
Stay tuned, there will be more to come.
UPDATE: Whiskey distiller Denver Riggleman has thrown his hat into the ring saying:
I am officially announcing my candidacy for the Republican nomination for the 5th Congressional District. As a political outsider, veteran, small business owner, and grassroots conservative, I will bring a fresh perspective to DC and help pass the President’s agenda. As we have all seen over the past few years, it takes a real outsider with real world experience to drag the swamp monsters to dry land. As a veteran and small business owner, I am perfectly suited for that task.
I would like to thank Rep. Tom Garrett for his many years of public service as a Congressman, State Senator, and Commonwealth’s Attorney. He and I have become close friends ever since I first signed up to be a delegate for him at the 2016 5th District Convention. Christine and I are sending prayers and best wishes to Tom and his family during this difficult time. Tom is a man of courage and a conviction, I look forward to continuing his pristine conservative voting record in DC.
UPDATE II: Martha Boneta declared her candidacy today. More speculation on other candidates here.
UPDATE III: Delegate Michael Webert (R-18) has thrown his hat into the ring.
UPDATE IV: Senator Bill Stanley (R-Franklin) is ‘seriously considering a run. Senator Bryce Reeves (R-Spotsylvania) is considering a run although he does not live in the district. Delegate Rob Bell, (R-Albemarle) will not run for the Congressional nomination. More here.
