Along with governor and lieutenant governor, Virginia voters will elect the next attorney general Tuesday. A by-the-book Republican is trying to unseat an experienced, widely supported Democrat in Mark Herring, a former state senator, who - with a simple message - is trying to win his second election.
“To help make Virginians’ lives better and keep Virginians and their families safe and stand up for the rights of all Virginians; it’s been a powerful message," Herring said. "Voters are responding to that and I feel like there’s a lot of energy and excitement as we head into Election Day.”
Herring has been the attorney general for four years.
“I’m really proud of the ticket I’m a part of. Ralph Northam is someone who’s got the right ideas and the right priorities," he said.
He said he has a strong record of accomplishments, including fighting the opioid epidemic and helping sexual assault victims.
Republican John Adams is running for political office for the first time. He’s a former naval officer and U.S. Supreme Court clerk.
“It feels great. People in Virginia want an attorney general who is not a politician, who doesn’t use our attorney general’s office to further their own political agenda. They want someone who will enforce the laws of Virginia," Adams said.
After Herring released a statement saying some localities could remove Confederate monuments. Adams said he disagrees.
“There is a law that unambiguously protects the monuments. It’s state law," Adams said.
Both candidates say the race looks close. Election Day is Nov. 7.