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Ralph Northam
Ralph Northam (Democratic Party) was the Governor of Virginia. He assumed office on January 13, 2018. He left office on January 15, 2022.
Northam (Democratic Party) ran for re-election for Governor of Virginia. He won in the general election on November 7, 2017.
Prior to serving as lieutenant governor, Northam was a member of the Virginia State Senate, representing District 6 from 2008 to 2014.
Northam is a medical doctor. Before entering politics he worked as a pediatric neurologist and an assistant professor of neurology. He also served eight years in the U.S. Army as a medical officer.[1]
Biography
Northam was born September 13, 1959, in Nassawadox, Virginia.[2] He received a bachelor's degree from the Virginia Military Institute in 1981 and a medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 1984.[3] He carried out his residencies and fellowships at the Brooke Army Medical Center, the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he was the chief neurological resident.[1][2]
Following his graduation from the Virginia Military Institute, Northam joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. He served for eight years as a medical officer, assuming the rank of major.[1]
Northam returned to Virginia after his military service. He practiced pediatric neurology in Norfolk before founding Children's Speciality Group, a pediatric private practice. During this time, Northam also taught neurology as an assistant professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School.[1]
Political career
Governor of Virginia (2018-2022)
Northam was elected governor on November 7, 2017, and assumed office on January 13, 2018.
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia (2014-2018)
Northam was elected lieutenant governor on November 5, 2013. He served from 2014 to 2018.
Virginia State Senate (2008-2014)
Northam was a member of the Virginia State Senate, representing District 6 from 2008 to 2014.
Click [show] to view Northam's state Senate committee assignments | |||||||||||||
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Elections
2021
- See also: Virginia gubernatorial election, 2021
Ralph Northam was not able to file for re-election due to term limits.
2017
- See also: Virginia gubernatorial election, 2017
Virginia held an election for governor on November 7, 2017. Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) was term-limited and ineligible to run for re-election to a consecutive term.
The general election took place on November 7, 2017. A primary election was held on June 13, 2017. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in the primary election was March 30, 2017.
Ralph Northam (D) defeated Ed Gillespie (R) and Cliff Hyra (Libertarian) in the election for Governor of Virginia.[4]
Virginia Gubernatorial Election, 2017 | ||||
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Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
Democratic | ![]() |
53.93% | 1,409,175 | |
Republican | Ed Gillespie | 45.00% | 1,175,731 | |
Libertarian | Cliff Hyra | 1.07% | 27,987 | |
Total Votes | 2,612,893 | |||
Source: Virginia Department of Elections |
Ralph Northam defeated Tom Perriello in the Democratic primary for Governor of Virginia.[5]
Virginia Democratic Gubernatorial Primary, 2017 | ||
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Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
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55.90% | 303,541 |
Tom Perriello | 44.10% | 239,505 |
Total Votes | 543,046 | |
Source: The New York Times |
Ed Gillespie defeated Corey Stewart and Frank Wagner in the Republican primary for Governor of Virginia.[5]
Virginia Republican Gubernatorial Primary, 2017 | ||
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Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
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43.71% | 160,100 |
Corey Stewart | 42.53% | 155,780 |
Frank Wagner | 13.76% | 50,394 |
Total Votes | 366,274 | |
Source: The New York Times |
2013
General election
Virginia Lieutenant Gubernatorial General Election, 2013 | ||||
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Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
Democratic | ![]() |
55.1% | 1,213,155 | |
Republican | E.W. Jackson | 44.5% | 980,257 | |
N/A | Write-in | 0.3% | 7,472 | |
Total Votes | 2,200,884 | |||
Election Results via Virginia State Board of Elections. |
Democratic primary election
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Democratic Primary Election, 2013 | ||||
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Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
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54.2% | 78,337 | ||
Aneesh Chopra | 45.8% | 66,098 | ||
Total Votes | 144,435 | |||
Election results via Virginia State Board of Elections. |
2011
- See also: Virginia State Senate elections, 2011
On November 8, 2011, Northam won re-election to District 6 of the Virginia State Senate. He was unchallenged in the August 23 primary election and defeated Ben Loyola (R) in the November 8 general election.[6]
Virginia State Senate, District 6 General Election, 2011 | ||||
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Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
Democratic | ![]() |
56.8% | 16,606 | |
Republican | Ben Loyola | 43.2% | 12,622 | |
Total Votes | 29,228 |
2007
- See also: Virginia State Senate elections, 2007
On November 6, 2007, Northam won election to the District 6 of the Virginia State Senate, defeating opponent Nick Rerras (R). He was unchallenged in the Democratic primary.[7][8]
Virginia State Senate, District 6 (2007) | ||||
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Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
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17,307 | 54.33% | ||
Nick Rerras (R) | 14,499 | 45.52% |
Campaign themes
2017
Candidate survey
Northam participated in a survey created by Ballotpedia. The survey was designed to let our readers know more about the candidates and feel confident that they are voting for the best person to represent them. The survey questions appear bolded, and Northam's responses follow below.
“ | Virginia needs an economy that works for everyone, no matter who you are or where you're from. Dr. Northam has a number of specific proposals to help make this a reality. Every Virginian should have the opportunity to gain further education or training. That means encouraging participation in industry certification programs, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs, and other advanced training. Ralph is committed to working with both businesses and community colleges to ensure there is a local training option for every available job. He also believes the final two years of high school should provide apprenticeships and job training for students who do not want to attend a four year college. Ralph believes our education system must create a pipeline from high school to community college, higher education, or a good paying job. Not only would this encourage students to stay in school and graduate, but it would also encourage employers to locate in Virginia, a commonwealth with good schools and a skilled workforce waiting for them. A Northam administration will continue to support high school redesign efforts started under Gov. McAuliffe, and coupled with programs like Dr. Northam's proposed G3 Program (Get a Job — Get Skilled — Give Back), Virginia's students will have the resources they need to be prepared for the jobs of the 21st century. Businesses are attracted to well-governed states. Ralph was in the Virginia Senate when the Great Recession hit, and he voted to cut spending by $4.6 billion to keep our budget balanced. He also supported tax relief for Virginia homeowners. Ralph supports a complete audit of state operations because taxpayers deserve to know their money is being spent wisely. To ensure economic opportunity for everyone — no matter who you are, no matter where you live, a level playing field must exist between men and women. Ralph Northam is committed to making this a reality in Virginia because what's good for women is good for our entire commonwealth. Ensuring that women are paid the same as men is a moral and economic imperative. Currently, women are paid 78 cents on the dollar compared to men, yet they are the primary breadwinners in 38 percent of Virginia families. As governor, Ralph will fight for a law to make salary information more transparent, so women can fight discriminatory pay practices when they occur, rather than after the fact. In the past year, under Governor McAuliffe and Lt. Governor Northam, Virginia has doubled the number of veterans placed in jobs through the Virginia Values Veterans program. Ralph also supported legislation to establish a program to connect returning military medics to private sector healthcare jobs. As an Army doctor, Ralph knows medics are highly qualified for such positions, having training and field experience with a variety of traumatic wounds. Ralph will continue to grow these programs until there is no longer any veteran joblessness in Virginia, just as veteran homelessness has been functionally eradicated.[9] | ” |
—Ralph Northam |
“ | It will take real leadership to do the right thing for the American people and work on ensuring access to quality, affordable healthcare. In the richest country in the world, no family should be one medical emergency or illness away from financial demise. Ralph was disappointed that his opponent would not join him in decrying the obvious -- the recent bills put forth by Republicans in Congress would have harmed Virginians and could have thrown 800,000 people in our Commonwealth off their health insurance. We have all the tools to lead and innovate on making access to quality, affordable healthcare real for thousands of Virginians. As governor, Dr. Northam will keep fighting to expand Medicaid in the commonwealth and work to close our coverage gap for good. Ralph is committed to fighting for Virginia women, especially their right to quality, affordable healthcare. As a physician, Ralph believes women's healthcare choices are personal and best left between a woman and her doctor—not politicians in Richmond or Washington, DC. Ralph will fight for women so they can decide when to start a family, and he is an advocate for expanding access to long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs, as well as protecting a woman's right to safe, legal abortion. As a state senator, Ralph led the fight against the invasive transvaginal ultrasound mandate and opposed legislation that would limit access to women's health clinics. Ralph is proud to have a 100 percent rating from Planned Parenthood. Ralph fought against personhood legislation that would have effectively blocked women from accessing many types of contraception and in vitro fertilization. Ralph has never wavered on choice and he never will. That's why Ralph received a joint endorsement from both NARAL Pro-Choice America and NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia and carries a 100% rating with NARAL and Planned Parenthood. Ralph will continue to be a brick wall, stopping attacks on reproductive rights and access to healthcare. This year, Ralph proposed a $6 million pilot program to provide long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) to women regardless of their ability to pay. A similar program in Colorado saw teen birth rates drop by 40 percent and teen abortions by 42 percent. This legislative session, Republicans stripped the funding at the request of right-wing anti-abortion groups despite the fact it used no state funding. As governor, Ralph will make implementing this program, and increasing access to it if we experience similar success to Colorado, a priority. Through public and private sources, we can expand access to LARCs to ensure that income is not a barrier for Virginia women seeking affordable contraception. Ralph also authored the smoking ban in restaurants because it would improve Virginia's economy and public health. When he first tried in 2008, the bill was defeated. In 2009, however, he came right back and introduced it again. Reaching across the aisle, he passed the smoking ban and Governor Kaine signed it into law. Today, cancer deaths are down in Virginia and below the national average.[9] | ” |
—Ralph Northam |
“ | As a veteran, Ralph knows the importance of our military. He also knows the challenges that our veterans and military families face on a regular basis. Virginia has one of the fastest growing veteran populations in the country. Our economy has made progress over the last four years -- but not everyone has felt the benefits of that progress, especially in rural Virginia. Sometimes our veterans, those who have given so much to us, get left behind in that growth. Ralph Northam has identified two key areas that should be improved with regard to Virginia's veterans: healthcare and jobs. As a U.S. Army doctor, Dr. Northam has seen first hand the challenges our veterans face and is committed to serving them as Governor. Ralph treated veterans through the VA and is appalled at the national scandal in the federal department. Ralph knows we must uphold our commitment to ensuring veterans have timely access to quality healthcare. As a member of the current administration, Ralph participated in the governor's Summit on Veterans Health Care, which led to Virginia becoming the first state to develop provider agreements between the VA and community health centers to give veterans greater access to healthcare facilities of their choice, in their communities. Ralph also supported plans to build new veterans care centers in Fauquier County and Virginia Beach. Ralph will use his position as governor to be a leader in pushing Washington to reform the VA so that every veteran receives the medical care they need, when they need it. Continuing the success of the Virginia Values Veterans program will be a top priority along with giving the program a goal of 50,000 veterans hired at the end of the Northam administration. Ralph also supported legislation to establish a program to connect returning military medics to private sector healthcare jobs. Previously, these men and women would go unemployed because their medical experience was not recognized in civilian society, while employers left jobs unfilled, especially EMT positions. As an Army doctor, Ralph knows medics are highly qualified for such positions, having training and field experience with a variety of traumatic wounds. Ralph will continue to grow these programs until there is no longer any veteran joblessness in Virginia, just as veteran homelessness has been functionally ended.[9] | ” |
—Ralph Northam |
“ | Ralph Northam knows that heavy traffic and long commutes take a toll on quality of life. People want to be at home with their families. They don't want to miss family dinners, kids' practices, or even just time to relax. Ralph also understands the importance of Virginia's transportation network to economic development. We need an effective transportation system if we want to keep and grow businesses in the area. He knows that heavy tolls make business more difficult and more expensive. There is still work to do to keep our transportation infrastructure functioning. Ralph is committed to continued investment in Virginia, because when we invest in Virginia, we can beat any other state. It's going to take leadership in Richmond to get it done, and Ralph is ready to do that as the next governor. In fact, Ralph has the endorsement of the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance, who represent more than 300 companies and tens of thousands of employees across the commonwealth. When it comes to Metro, Ralph believes we must fix the system's challenges of safety and reliability. He'll work with lawmakers in Richmond to make sure they understand how important Metro is, not just to Northern Virginia but to the whole state, just like the Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads. He'll lead the discussion and find a dedicated source of revenue for Metro so that we can keep it vibrant. Ralph has a record of delivering on the promises he's made to invest in infrastructure projects that will keep Virginians getting where they need to go, when they need to get there. Ralph supports the bipartisan 2013 transportation bill that brought in nearly two billion in transportation investment into the commonwealth. Ralph has a vision for continued investment in smart transportation projects, and will work to address transportation issues as governor.[9] | ” |
—Ralph Northam |
“ | The opioid and heroin crisis is one of the most formidable challenges we face in the commonwealth. It truly is a public health emergency, and we're feeling it deeply in Virginia. As governor, Dr. Northam will take on this challenge with a multifaceted approach by providing the necessary treatment and recovery resources, working with law enforcement, and fighting to eliminate interstate opioid "shopping." Virginians deserve a leader who takes this crisis as seriously as they do. During Ralph's tenure as lieutenant governor, Virginia increased access to naloxone, the drug needed to counter the effects of opioid overdose. He and Governor McAuliffe declared opioid addiction a public health emergency in the Commonwealth, and as governor, Northam would continue to expand access to new substance abuse treatment options and drug courts. Dr. Northam will use his medical expertise to lead on addiction and substance abuse. As a doctor, he understands that, in order to stop the opioid and heroin epidemic that is ravaging the Commonwealth, we must:
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” |
—Ralph Northam |
“ | Every child in Virginia deserves the opportunity for a first-class education. That's why Virginians need a governor who has a plan for students, and who puts Virginia's future first. The foundation of a good education is the teachers. We can't expect to attract and retain the talented teachers to Virginia if we are falling behind the national average in what we pay them. That's why as governor, Ralph will prioritize investments in increasing what we pay our teachers and coming up with policies to attract talent to unfilled teaching positions across the commonwealth. No matter who you are, no matter where you live, you should have strong public schools in your community. As a member of the Children's Cabinet, Dr. Northam and the McAuliffe administration are helping our most challenged schools combat chronic absenteeism and poor academic performance — but there's still work to do. The commonwealth of Virginia spends, on average, $80 million per year to remediate students in kindergarten through third grade. We need to reevaluate how we test our youngest students and ensure we're putting them on track for success at the beginning of their academic careers. A big part of addressing this issue is making sure quality pre-K is available to all young Virginians — though it also involves challenging conventional methods of student assessments and alternatives to having students repeat grades at early ages. As governor, Ralph will work to close the achievement gaps still in place for students of color, students in poverty, and students with disabilities. As a pediatric neurologist, Ralph knows the importance of early childhood education. That's why as a state senator and as Lt. Governor he worked to advance policies supporting health and educational opportunities for young children. As governor, Ralph will take a holistic approach to education policy by looking at different avenues for community support like stable housing, subsidies for after school programs, and workforce supports for parents to help ensure that children come to school ready to learn. Every child in Virginia should have a shot at a promising future, and Ralph is the candidate committed to making sure that becomes a reality.[9] | ” |
—Ralph Northam |
“ | Ralph has been a champion for fairness in our democracy, introducing or voting for nonpartisan redistricting every year he's been in public office. In 2013, Republicans tried to ram through gerrymandered maps when one Democrat was out of town at President Obama's inauguration and unable to vote. Fortunately, that effort failed in the House. And with the redistricting maps up again in 2020, these types of shenanigans cannot continue.That's why Ralph signed onto redistricting reform legislation in 2008 and 2010, even when Democratic leaders in the Senate wanted partisan redistricting to draw their own lines. At the beginning of March, the Supreme Court ruled the Virginia's House of Delegates redistricting plan must be reexamined by a lower court for signs of racial bias. During the primary in March, Ralph Northam called on all candidates to commit to a nonpartisan redistricting plan. As a State Senator, Northam consistently co-sponsored and voted for legislation that would result in a fair, transparent, and non-partisan redistricting process. Virginia's next governor will be in a position to sign or veto redrawn districts in 2021, shaping politics in the swing state for the next decade. Northam believes strongly that voters should be selecting their representatives, not the other way around. Fairness in our democracy has been a fundamental piece of Northam's platform, and he's worked hard to make it a central issue in this election. With Northam in office, we can pull back the curtain on what happens in Richmond, meaning we can hold our elected officials accountable all year, especially when they are voting to place barriers in the way of fair redistricting processes. As governor, Northam will work on creating a culture of transparency that fosters participation from every Virginian, no matter who they are, no matter where they are.[9] | ” |
—Ralph Northam |
Campaign website
Northam's campaign website highlighted the following themes:
“ |
A life of service: Virginia Military Institute, Army veteran, pediatrician
Later on, Ralph attended the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), where he graduated with distinction. While at VMI, Ralph was elected by his peers to serve as president of the honor court, charged with upholding the school’s honor code. After VMI, Ralph was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army, where he served eight years of active duty and rose to the rank of major. Ralph did his residencies at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and he served as chief neurological resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital. As an Army doctor, he treated soldiers wounded in Operation Desert Storm. When Ralph returned home, he began practicing pediatric neurology at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk. He established Children’s Specialty Group, his current medical practice, to provide expert pediatric care for patients. Ralph also served as assistant professor of neurology at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he taught medicine and ethics. For 18 years, Ralph has volunteered as medical director for the Edmarc Hospice for Children in Portsmouth, where he cares for terminally ill children. Getting results
Ralph uses his experience as a pediatrician to protect the health and safety of Virginia’s children, like passing legislation creating guidelines for school sports teams to deal with concussions. As a proud Army veteran, Ralph helped protect Virginia’s veterans by expanding needed healthcare and access to job opportunities. As lieutenant governor, he supported efforts to functionally end veteran homelessness in Virginia. Ralph broke years of gridlock in Richmond by creating bipartisan support for legislation banning smoking in Virginia’s public restaurants—a major victory for public health. Restaurant owners originally opposed his efforts but today many praise Ralph’s vision and willingness to take on entrenched special interests to do what’s right for Virginia. As a strong supporter of a woman’s right to choose, Ralph led the fight against the now infamous transvaginal ultrasound mandate, which would have required Virginia women seeking an abortion to undergo an intrusive and unnecessary procedure. Ralph chairs the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success, where he helped secure a federal grant to create up to 13,000 pre-K education spots for children in low-income families and advocated for greater access to prenatal care. He also chairs the Governor’s Task Force on Improving Mental Health Services and Crisis Response and led a team tasked with identifying challenges and suggesting improvements to the state’s complex system of mental health services. Working with the current administration, Ralph has been on the forefront of attracting new companies, creating jobs, and building a New Virginia Economy. Virginia has seen more than $1 billion invested in our state’s education system and new reforms to workforce development. This has led to a reduction in the unemployment rate, and 167,100 additional net new jobs added to the Virginia workforce. Right now, more Virginians are employed than at any other time in the commonwealth’s history Ralph has balanced these efforts by calling for fiscal responsibility through government efficiency and balanced state budgets. An economy that works for every Virginian
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—Ralph Northam[10] |
Presidential preference
2020
- See also: Presidential election in Virginia, 2020
Gov. Northam did not issue an endorsement in the 2020 presidential election.
Campaign finance summary
Ballotpedia currently provides campaign finance data for all federal- and state-level candidates from 2020 and later. We are continuously working to expand our data to include prior elections. That information will be published here as we acquire it. If you would like to help us provide this data, please consider donating to Ballotpedia.
Noteworthy events
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Coronavirus pandemic |
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.
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On September 25, 2020, Northam announced that he and his wife had tested positive for coronavirus.[11]
1984 medical school yearbook photos (2019)
On February 1, 2019, Ralph Northam apologized after a photo from his 1984 Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook circulated online. The photo showed a man in blackface standing next to another in a Ku Klux Klan robe. Northam said, "I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now." He also said "that it will take time and serious effort to heal the damage this conduct has caused. I am ready to do that important work. The first step is to offer my sincerest apology and to state my absolute commitment to living up to the expectations Virginians set for me when they elected me to be their Governor."[12]
On February 2, upon further inspection of the photo, Northam said, "I am not either of the people in that photo. I stand by my statement of apology to the many Virginians who were hurt by seeing this content on a yearbook page that belongs to me."[13]
In response to the photo, the Virginia Democratic and Republican Parties as well as politicians, including former Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (D), and former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (D), called on Northam to resign.[14][15][16][17][18]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Northam and his wife, Pamela, have two children: Wes and Aubrey.[2]
External links
See also
Virginia | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
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Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam, "Governor Ralph Northam," accessed May 28, 2021
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 VoteSmart, "Ralph Northam's Biography," accessed May 28, 2021
- ↑ The Virginia Pilot, "Lieutenant Governor," accessed May 28, 2021
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "List of Statewide Candidates," October 17, 2017
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Virginia Department of Elections, "2017 Primary Filing," accessed May 12, 2017
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "Historical Elections Database," accessed May 28, 2021
- ↑ 2007 Election Results, Virginia Senate, District 6
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "Historical Elections Database," accessed May 28, 2021
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Ralph Northam for Governor of Virginia, "About," accessed May 24, 2017
- ↑ CNN', "Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam tests positive for Covid-19," September 25, 2020
- ↑ Washington Post, "Gov. Ralph Northam ‘deeply sorry’ after photo emerges from his 1984 yearbook showing blackface, KKK hood," accessed Feb. 1, 2019
- ↑ Washington Post, "Va. Gov. Northam ’I am not either of the people’ in controversial yearbook photo," Feb. 2, 2019
- ↑ Virginia Democratic Party website, "Virginia Democrats No Longer Support Northam; Demand Immediate Resignation," Feb. 2, 2019
- ↑ The Hill, "Virginia GOP calls for Northam to resign after KKK, blackface photo," Feb. 1, 2019
- ↑ Twitter, "Terry McAuliffe," Feb. 1, 2019
- ↑ Twitter, "Hillary Clinton," Feb. 2, 2019
- ↑ Twitter, "NBC Politics," Feb. 2, 2019
Political offices | ||
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Preceded by Terry McAuliffe (D) |
Governor of Virginia 2018-2022 |
Succeeded by Glenn Youngkin (R) |
Preceded by - |
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia 2014-2018 |
Succeeded by Justin Fairfax (D) |
Preceded by - |
Virginia State Senate District 6 2008-2014 |
Succeeded by - |
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State of Virginia Richmond (capital) |
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