Former Roanoke City Sheriff Octavia Johnson announces bid for Virginia governor

She’s seeking the Republican nomination

ROANOKE, Va. – A familiar face joins the competition for Virginia’s Republican nomination for governor.

Former Roanoke sheriff Octavia Johnson has announced that she is seeking the Republican nomination for Virginia governor.

Johnson made the announcement on Thursday and said that she is throwing her hat in the ring because the Commonwealth needs a tangible difference.

Johnson served as Roanoke City Sheriff from 2006 to 2013.

She told 10 News that her main priorities are funding rural school districts, expanding school choice programs and protecting gun laws.

According to a flyer handed out at her announcement, her top priorities will be “creating good jobs, keeping our communities safe and building strong schools.”

“Everybody has heard of all of the other candidates. They know what their message is. Now, they’re going to hear Octavia Johnson’s message, and that will help them to decide who is stale bread and who is fresh bread,” said Johnson.

She joins a crowded field of candidates including Kirk Cox, Amanda Chase and Pete Snyder.