Updated 11 a.m. – Less than two months after announcing she would not seek another term, Stafford County Supervisor Monica Gary has reversed her decision. She will run for re-election as an independent candidate.

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Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman At-Large of the Prince William County School Board, has entered the race for Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, positioning himself as an education-focused candidate in a crowded Democratic primary. With years of experience overseeing Virginia’s second-largest school division, Lateef brings a track record of pushing for increased teacher pay, improved graduation rates, and infrastructure investments—all issues he hopes to prioritize at the state level.

An Education-First Platform

Lateef, an ophthalmologist and longtime public servant, has served on the Prince William County School Board since 2018. Under his leadership, teacher salaries have increased by 61%, making the county more competitive with neighboring school divisions. Additionally, the county’s graduation rate has risen to 95%, the highest in its history.

“We know the biggest impact on student performance is the quality of the teacher in the room,” Lateef said during a recent appearance on the Potomac Local News Podcast. “Our commitment to teacher pay has helped us retain top educators and improve student outcomes.”

If elected Lieutenant Governor, Lateef says he will advocate for increased state funding for public schools, citing Virginia’s historically low contribution to education compared to other states. He believes more money should be returned from Richmond to local districts to help fund essential programs, maintain school facilities, and reduce the financial burden on county governments.

“Virginia ranks 42nd and 43rd in the nation in state funding for public education,” he noted. “That means less affluent school districts are paying more for education than their counterparts in other states. We need to change that.”

A Record of Advocacy and Leadership

Lateef has championed several education reforms in Prince William County, including a cell phone ban in classrooms, expanded specialty programs, and increased career and technical education investments. He has also emphasized the importance of extracurricular activities such as robotics, debate, and academic competitions to prepare students for high-paying jobs in the future.

“We’re seeing record amounts of scholarship money awarded to our students,” he said. “That’s real money in the pockets of real families, helping kids access higher education and better opportunities.”

His leadership in one of Virginia’s most diverse counties—where the student population reflects a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds—has shaped his perspective on equity in education. He has called for the state to lift support caps on key school positions, including counselors and instructional coaches, to provide students with more resources.

Lateef Opposes Expansion of Gambling in Virginia

Babur Lateef voiced strong opposition to the expansion of gambling in Virginia, particularly the push to install skill-based gaming machines in convenience stores and grocery outlets.

Lateef criticized efforts to increase gambling accessibility, arguing that such measures do not align with the real concerns of Virginia families.

While acknowledging that casino projects, such as The Rose in Dumfries, have been approved through local referendums, Lateef drew a sharp distinction between those developments and placing gambling machines in everyday retail spaces. He called the latter “predatory gambling” and warned of the risks associated with exposing children to flashy, attention-grabbing slot machines in highly trafficked areas.

He also questioned the necessity of gambling revenue as a funding source for the state. “If your best idea for raising money is putting slot machines in convenience stores, that’s just an awful idea,” Lateef said. “We’re running surpluses in the state—our lawmakers should be working harder to come up with better solutions.”

Instead of expanding gambling, Lateef advocated for diversifying economic development strategies, pointing to the success of data centers in Prince William County as a potential model for other areas. He suggested that distributing data center projects across the state could generate significant local revenue without the social costs associated with gambling.

Statewide Impact and the Race Ahead

Lateef’s bid for Lieutenant Governor comes when education remains a hot-button issue in Virginia politics. He has argued that strengthening public schools should be a bipartisan priority and has pledged to work across party lines to secure more student funding and resources.

His campaign is also expected to focus on other economic issues, including workforce development and infrastructure improvements. Lateef has expressed support for expanding data centers across Virginia to boost local economies rather than concentrating them in just a few areas.

As he competes in a crowded field of Democratic candidates, Lateef hopes that his record in Prince William County will set him apart. With primary elections approaching, his ability to mobilize educators, parents, and voters who prioritize school funding could be a deciding factor in his campaign.

“We have a responsibility to invest in our kids,” he said. “If we do that right, we’re investing in Virginia’s future.”

As of February 3, 2025, the Democratic primary for Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor race features a competitive field of candidates, including Alex Bastani, Carl Eggleston, Ghazala Hashmi, Aaron Rouse, Victor Salgado, and Levar Stoney. Each candidate brings a unique background and policy focus, setting the stage for a dynamic contest as they vie for the party’s nomination. With education, economic growth, and healthcare emerging as key issues in the race, voters will have a range of choices in shaping Virginia’s leadership for the coming years.

Alex Bastani is an attorney and labor rights advocate known for his progressive stance on workers’ rights and economic justice. With experience in public service and community organizing, Bastani has positioned himself as a candidate focused on fighting income inequality and strengthening labor protections in Virginia.

Carl Eggleston is a longtime community leader and former Farmville town councilor with a history of public service and civic engagement. A small business owner, Eggleston has been an advocate for economic development in rural communities, emphasizing the need for investment in small businesses and infrastructure in underserved areas.

Ghazala Hashmi has served as a state senator representing Chesterfield County since 2020. She made history as Virginia’s first Muslim state senator and has been a vocal advocate for education reform, healthcare access, and reproductive rights. As chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee, she has sponsored legislation focused on expanding early childhood education and increasing funding for public schools.

Aaron Rouse is a former NFL player turned Virginia Beach city councilor and state senator. Since his election to the Senate in 2023, he has focused on social justice, criminal justice reform, and economic opportunities for underprivileged communities. Rouse, who also runs a nonprofit supporting underserved youth, has been a strong advocate for expanding access to affordable housing and creating pathways for workforce development.

Victor Salgado is a federal prosecutor and law professor who entered the race as an outsider with a focus on ethics reform and government accountability. With experience in prosecuting corruption cases, Salgado has positioned himself as a candidate dedicated to increasing transparency in state government and ensuring fair access to legal resources for all Virginians.

Levar Stoney is the former mayor of Richmond and a seasoned political leader who has championed racial equity, economic development, and education reform. Stoney, who previously served as Virginia’s Secretary of the Commonwealth, is best known for leading efforts to remove Confederate monuments and invest in Richmond’s public schools. His campaign emphasizes reducing poverty, expanding healthcare access, and ensuring economic opportunities for all Virginians.

With such diverse candidates, the Democratic primary is expected to be a highly contested race, with each hopeful offering distinct visions for Virginia’s future.

Elizabeth Guzman, a Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates, seeks to reclaim a legislative seat in the 22nd District, currently held by Republican Ian Lovejoy. Guzman, who last ran for office in 2023 in a contentious Democratic Primary for the Virginia State Senate, narrowly lost to State Senator Jeremy McPike (D-29, Prince William, Stafford) by just 50 votes.

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Several Manassas City leaders endorsed State Sen. Aaron Rouse (D-7) for lieutenant governor on Thursday.

Rouse has been a state senator since January 2023, representing the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. He was elected in a special election following the previous holder of the seat, Jen Kiggans’ (R), election to the United States House of Representatives.

Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger endorsed Rouse, stating she’s confident he will lead the next generation of Virginians.

“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with leaders who truly understand the needs of our communities. Sen. Aaron Rouse stands out as a proven leader with a clear vision to move every corner of Virginia forward,” Davis-Younger said in a statement. “His experience at both the local and state level have equipped him with the insight and expertise needed to serve as our next Lieutenant Governor. I wholeheartedly endorse Aaron, confident that his leadership will usher in a new generation of leadership for Virginia.”

Other elected city leaders also endorsed Rouse, including:

• Councilor Mark Wolfe
• Councilor Tom Osina
• School Board Chair Suzanne Seaberg
• Commissioner of Revenue Tim Demeria
• Treasurer Patricia Richie Folks

“I am deeply grateful for the support and endorsement from these Manassas leaders,” Rouse said in a statement. “As Lieutenant Governor, I am dedicated to working closely with local officials to ensure that our policies reflect the needs and aspirations of all Virginians, and no corner of our Commonwealth is left behind. Together, we will build a stronger Virginia where every community can thrive.”

Rouse is a Virginia native and was born in Virginia Beach. He played football at Virginia Tech and was drafted to the Green Bay Packers in 2007. He also played on the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Omaha Nighthawks and Virginia Destroyers.

He also served on the Virginia Beach City Council as an at-large member from 2019 to 2022.

Dozens of other elected officials across the state have endorsed Rouse. Here are some of the local and notable endorsements:

• Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas
• Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke
• Former Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw
• Del. Candi King, Prince William County
• Former Del. Kathleen Murphy, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties
• Supervisor Rodney Lusk, Fairfax County
• Supervisor Walter Alcorn, Fairfax County
• Supervisor Kristen Umstattd, Loudoun County
• Councilor Selonia Miles, Dumfries
• Sheriff Stacey Kincaid, Fairfax County

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears has announced her candidacy for governor. She aims to continue the work of the Youngkin-Sears administration.

If elected, she would become the first Black woman to serve as Virginia’s governor and the first Black woman in U.S. history to hold such a position. Earle-Sears, an immigrant from Jamaica and former U.S. Marine, highlighted the administration’s achievements in improving community safety, boosting the economy, cutting taxes, and expanding educational choices for parents.

Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican like Earle-Sears, is ineligible to run for a second term due to Virginia’s unique one-term limit for governors. His term will end on December 31, 2025 January 11, 2026. Earle-Sears is positioning her campaign as a continuation of Youngkin’s efforts.

On the Democratic side, Abigail Spanberger, who represents Virginia’s 7th Congressional District (covering parts of Prince William County, Stafford, Spotsylvania counties, and Fredericksburg), is the presumptive nominee for governor. Spanberger has decided not to seek re-election to her U.S. House seat, opting instead to run for governor.

Press release:

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears today announced her official candidacy for governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, embarking on a historic campaign to build upon nearly three years of the Youngkin-Sears Administration’s work to keep the Commonwealth’s communities safe, open Virginia’s economy for business, cut taxes for working families, and empower parents with more choices for their children’s education. Earle-Sears, an immigrant from Jamaica and United States Marine, would become the first woman to serve as Virginia’s governor, and first Black woman in American history to serve as any state’s governor –– a story possible only in America.

“I could have never believed growing up that I could be asking Virginians for their faith and confidence in me to serve them as governor of our great Commonwealth,” said Earle-Sears. “Yes, this is an opportunity to make history, but our campaign is about making life better for every Virginian right here, right now. Our Administration has delivered on our promise to guide Virginia back on course toward prosperity, but we have much more to achieve to make sure stories like mine –– stories of the American Dream giving hope and purpose –– are possible for everyone. We cannot go backwards now. Little girls and boys, from Fairfax to Fincastle, from Haysi to Henry, from Phoebus to Port Republic, and from Wachapreague to Wise –– they are all counting on us to win and succeed in Virginia. I will not be outworked. And I will not let them down.”

Ahead of her announcement at a rally of supporters in Virginia Beach, Earle-Sears released on her social media channels, “Ever Forward,” a video detailing her American-Dream story and her mission to make stories like hers possible for more Virginians.

A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Sears immigrated to the United States at the age of six. She is proud to have served in the United States Marine Corps. In addition to her various appointments, she has served as the Vice President of the Virginia State Board of Education; and as a presidential appointee to the US Census Bureau, as co-chair of the African American Committee; and the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Winsome was first elected in 2002 to a majority Black House of Delegates district, a first for a Republican in Virginia since 1865. She is the first female Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the first Black female elected to statewide office. As Lieutenant Governor, Winsome Earle-Sears presides over the Senate when they are in session.

A former program manager for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and VISTA volunteer, Winsome is a trained electrician and successful businesswoman. However, Winsome is most proud of her community work leading a men’s prison ministry and as director of a women’s homeless shelter. She holds a B.A. in English with a minor in Economics, and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership, with a concentration in Government. Winsome and her husband, Terence, have two daughters Katia and Janel, in addition to DeJon, and granddaughters Victoria and Faith, who are now looking into the face of God.

Follow the Sears campaign’s latest news at winsomeforgovernor.com, X, and Facebook.

 

Prince William County residents voiced their concerns about drug use and community safety during a recent town hall with Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D). The event included Police Chief Peter Newsham of the Prince William County Police Department and Police Chief Chris Settle of the Culpeper Police Department.

Victoria, a resident of Prince William County, expressed her concerns about drug use in her neighborhood. “We have random people using fentanyl and walking around disoriented,” she said. “We have a lot of kids in the area, and I am afraid for their safety.”

Chief Newsham responded by urging residents to report suspicious activity. “If you have a problem home in the neighborhood, particularly if it is drug-related, you can contact the Prince William County Police Department,” he said. “Our Special Investigations Bureau will look into the property and the landlord’s responsibility.”

Congresswoman Spanberger highlighted federal efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking. “We have passed legislation like the Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act to support law enforcement and address behavioral health issues,” she said. “Stopping the shipment of fentanyl into our communities is crucial.”

Data Breaches and Identity Theft

Mike asked about data breaches and identity theft. Congresswoman Spanberger emphasized the federal perspective. “The FBI has central authority over these issues. If anyone faces issues like ransomware attacks, it is important to report them,” she said. “We are working to set standards for how data is protected.”

Chief Newsham noted the increase in scam attacks. “We warn folks to be careful. If anyone asks for money or claims to be a public utility, be very cautious,” he said. “Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

Gun Violence

Don inquired about gun violence. Chief Newsham explained the efforts in Prince William County. “Our criminal investigations division does an excellent job of holding people accountable,” he said. “We also have a community safety initiative to address the root causes of gun violence.”

Congresswoman Spanberger mentioned the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. “It includes funding for localities to apply for federal grants for community-driven violence intervention programs,” she said. “These programs have demonstrated a reduced homicide rate where implemented.”

Domestic Violence

Gigi from Culpeper raised concerns about domestic violence. Chief Settle described the local response. “Domestic violence calls are among our most dangerous. We train officers on domestic violence laws and provide support to victims,” he said. “We work closely with organizations like Safe Services to provide advocacy and support.”

Congresswoman Spanberger discussed legislative efforts. “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act narrowed the ‘boyfriend loophole,’ recognizing that domestic violence can occur in dating relationships,” she said. “This is an important step forward.”

Aggressive Driving

Maryanne asked about addressing aggressive driving. Chief Newsham described enforcement efforts. “We have increased enforcement and implemented a pilot program for automated traffic enforcement in school zones and at red lights,” he said. “This helps slow people down and reduce traffic fatalities.”

Private Security Firms

Reggie inquired about partnerships with private security firms. Chief Settle explained the collaboration: “We work closely with reputable private security companies, providing them with communication tools to coordinate with law enforcement. This partnership helps enhance community safety.”

Officer Wellness Programs

Tracy asked about officer wellness programs. Chief Newsham emphasized the importance of mental and physical health. “We have a resiliency center with clinicians available to officers and their families. “Our early intervention system helps identify and support officers experiencing trauma.”

Chief Settle described their peer support program. “Our officers are mandated to have mental health wellness checks,” he said. “This helps remove the stigma of mental health and ensures they receive the support they need.”

Infrastructure and Emergency Services

Tiffany expressed concerns about the lack of communication infrastructure in rural areas. Congresswoman Spanberger highlighted efforts to improve connectivity. “We are working with communities to address lapses in communication infrastructure,” she said. “This is important for emergency alerts and responses.”

Firefighter Shortage and Standardization

Jason asked about the firefighter shortage. Congresswoman Spanberger discussed federal support. “We passed the Fire Grants and Safety Act to provide funding for fire and emergency services,” she said. “We are also working on addressing training requirements and mobility between departments.”

The virtual town hall meeting was held on July 9, 2024. Spanberger has held Virginia’s 7th District Congressional seat since 2018. She’s not seeking re-election and is rumored to run for governor in 2025.

Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson are running to replace her.

Fresh off a win for a second term as Prince William County School Board Chairman, Dr. Babur Lateef announced his campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia today.

Lateef, an ophthalmologist in Woodbridge and a Democrat, is seeking his party’s nomination for Lt. Governor, a position now held by Republican Winsome Sears.

Lateef announced his candidacy in a video, highlighted his service as both a doctor and Chairman of the school board, and enumerated the many accomplishments of the Prince William County school system. Dr. Lateef called particular attention to the public’s vital role in shaping policy by celebrating the Public Comments portion of every school board meeting as “one of the few places where citizens are guaranteed the right to speak directly to their elected representatives.”

Since the pandemic, the Board’s public comment policy has been the subject of debate. The board has moved to limit the number of speakers who may address the board and cap the length of time during which residents may speak.

Over the last year, the school board has capped the number of public speakers, and Prince William Education Association members of the teachers union have monopolized the spots, urging the School Board to adopt a collective bargaining agreement for higher pay.

“The challenges we face are now in Richmond,” Dr. Lateef says in the video. Glenn Youngkin has done real harm to the spirit of partnership within our communities.”

Lateef’s dig on Youngkin comes as 53% of Virginians approve of how Youngkin is handling his job as governor, according to a Roanoke College poll.

“I believe the rhetoric he uses when he speaks about schools, school divisions, and school boards are not helpful. His representation that boards don’t listen to parents is completely off base,” Lateef told Potomac Local News. “I am a parent, and I have been Chair for six years. And every move our board and most boards make is responsive to their local families, students, and staff. That has been my record. Parents know I listen to them and know that they matter to me. The evidence is that they have re-elected me with wider margins each time.

Lateef beat Carrie Rest, his Republican-endorsed challenger in 2023, by 10 points, winning 50% of the vote across Prince William County. He won in 2019 by nearly the same margin, beating the Republican-endorsed Allison Satterwhite, who served on the county School Board.

In each race, Lateef handily outspent his opponents. Last year, Lateef spent $263,000 to Rist’s $39,297. In 2019, he spent $131,000 to Satterwhite’s $31,000.

Lateef was appointed School Board chair in 2018 to replace Ryan Sawyers, who resigned. He later won a special election to complete Sawyer’s term, beating Satterwhite and Stanley Bender, who never campaigned for the job.

Lateef took heat from fellow School Board members and other Democrats when, in December 2020, he ordered the return of some students to the classroom when most other public school systems in the Washington, D.C. area were still requiring students to work remotely.

Democrat Gov. Ralph Northam was the first in the nation to shutter public schools in light of the coronavirus in March 2020. Lateef told Potomac Local Northam that it was correct to close schools at the onset of the pandemic but added that schools should have been reopened by the summer of 2020.

Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe endorsed Dr. Lateef today.

“I am honored to be Dr. Babur Lateef’s first endorser for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “I have called upon his counsel many times over the last 15 years. I saw how Babur fought the backward policies of the Prince William County Supervisors in 2011 when few others stood up. Babur helped ensure his County turned blue from top to bottom in 2019,” states McAuliffe in a press release.

McAuliffe lost his re-election bid for a second, nonconsecutive term as governor to Youngkin in 2021 by two percentage points.

Lateef is the first and only person to announce his run for the seat for the 2025 General Election. Meanwhile, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va. 7th), and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, a Democrat, have announced her run for governor to replace Youngkin, who cannot seek a second term.

So far, no Republicans have announced their intentions for statewide office. However, all eyes are on Winsome Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares, both considered potential gubernatorial candidates.

Lateef considered a run for Lt. Governor in 2020; however, decoded to stay out of the race to focus on his school board duties.

As Sarah Romero told you over the weekend, the new Prince William County School Board is sworn in and ready to work. Its term begins Jan. 1, 2024, with the board's first meeting shortly after that.

The Board wrapped up its calendar year at its Dec. 5, 2023 meeting, when it approved a new school naming policy that clarified for whom the county will name new schools, putting stricter guardrails naming facilities after relatives of school board members.

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“Prince William County School Board Chair Babur Lateef has filed to run as a Democrat for lieutenant governor of Virginia next year, according to documents from the Virginia Department of Elections,” Ben Peters at Insidenova.com reports.