NORFOLK, Va. - Mark Herring is projected to win Virginia's Democratic attorney general primary, AP reports.
Herring, the incumbent, and Norfolk Del. Jay Jones faced off in the June 8 primaries.
Herring has been attorney general since 2014. Jones is in his second term as a state delegate.
He released the following statement Tuesday night:
“This primary was a referendum on the progress we have made on civil rights, criminal justice reform, healthcare access, clean air and water, victims’ rights, gun violence prevention, and consumer protection, and voters made it clear that they want to keep the progress going.
“The Republicans have nominated yet another far-right, Ken Cuccinelli-wannabe who would abuse the office to try to drag us backward and threaten the progress we’ve made. Virginians deserve to count on their attorney general to fight for them, as the People’s Lawyer. That’s what I’ve done for eight years, and that’s the choice that Virginians will have this fall.
“I also extend my best wishes and congratulations to Del. Jay Jones, his family, and his team for running a strong race that helped energize Virginia Democrats. I look forward to moving into November as a strong, united party as we continue to move Virginia forward.”
Herring told News 3 that he has shown Virginians that he can do the job well and notes that he has won statewide twice. He touts accomplishments like helping end the state's ban on same-sex marriage and looking out for Virginia consumers.
Jones told News 3 days leading up to the election that he was motivated to run due to the push for criminal justice reforms after incidents like the murder of George Floyd last year. He accuses Herring of needing prodding to back some of these reforms.
Herring will now will face Republican Virginia Beach Del. Jason Miyares in November.