In an official announcement, Senator Tom Garrett (R-22) has confirmed that he will be running for the 5th Congressional District seat next year. The seat is being vacated by Congressman Robert Hurt who formally announced his retirement earlier today.
Senator Garrett is the first person to officially announce his candidacy for this seat, and possibly won’t be the last as our own Steve Albertson points out. During his time in office, Senator Garrett has put together an impressive resume and made a name for himself as a strong Conservative voice in Richmond.
Senator Garrett has already secured the endorsement of fellow Senator Dick Black (R-13). “Senator Tom Garrett is a rock solid conservative,” Black said. “He is right on social issues, the Second Amendment, and tight with government spending. Tom Garrett is not an ‘establishment’ guy. I totally support him for Congress because I know he will move the ball downfield.”
The method of nomination for this seat will be decided by RPV’s 5th District Congressional Committee.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From the Office of Senator Tom Garrett
Contact Kevin Reynolds with questions at (434) 944-7770
Buckingham, VA — Senator Tom Garrett declares his candidacy for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District.
In a statement released today, State Senator Tom Garrett (R-Buckingham) stated that he will run for Virginia’s 5th Congressional seat.
“I am running for Congress in 2016.” he said. “Robert Hurt served The Commonwealth and nation honorably. Now, we must choose a new Congressman who will be a strong voice for Virginia’s 5th District. I will be that man.”
Earlier today incumbent Robert Hurt indicated that he would not seek re-election to Congress. Hurt was elected to the 5th Congressional district in 2010 and re-elected in 2012 and 2014.
“These are dangerous times. My background as a combat arms veteran, prosecutor, and pro liberty legislator make me the best candidate to protect America from Islamic extremism abroad and fiscal imprudence at home.” said Garrett.
Garrett added, “The last seven years President Obama has systemically sought to reduce America’s presence in the world while simultaneously engaging in a reckless pattern of deficit spending at home. I will be a tireless warrior in the fight for a balanced federal budget, a government limited by constitutional parameters, and restoring America to her role as a shining beacon of freedom to the world.“
Garrett was elected Louisa County Commonwealth’s attorney in 2005, and elected to the Virginia state senate in 2011 and 2015. In the 5th congressional district, Garrett currently represents Fluvanna, Buckingham, Cumberland, Appomattox and Prince Edward counties. Outside of the 5th, he represents Amherst, Goochland, and parts of Louisa as well as part of the City of Lynchburg.
In just four years in the Virginia Senate, Garrett received numerous recognitions and awards including the 2014 Virginia Chamber of Commerce Legislator of the Year, 2013 American Conservative Union Defender of Liberty Award, 2012 Virginia Chamber of Commerce Freshman Legislator of the Year Award, and is routinely rated highest by the NRA, Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Citizens Defense League, Virginia Association of Realtors, American Conservative Union, Family Foundation, and Virginia National Federation of Independent Business.