Nominees for Virginia's Attorney General debate critical matters while early voting commences
In the upcoming elections on November 4, 2023, Virginia is poised to make history with several firsts.
Jason Miyares, the Republican incumbent, is running for re-election as Attorney General of Virginia. If successful, Miyares would become the first Hispanic American and the first child of an immigrant to hold this position. Meanwhile, Ghazala Hashmi, a state senator, is vying to become the first female Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. The races for these two offices are significant, as they present the opportunity for the first African American or Hispanic American to serve as Attorney General, and the first woman to take the helm as Governor of Virginia.
Regardless of the outcome, Virginia will undoubtedly elect its first woman Governor. Early voting for both the Governor's race and the Attorney General's race is currently underway.
The Attorney General's role is multifaceted. The office collects debts owed to state agencies, hospitals, and universities. It also conducts and assists in criminal investigations in various areas, including child exploitation, computer crimes, gang activities, identity theft, environmental law violations, theft of state property, and fraud against taxpayers. Furthermore, the office enforces state consumer protection laws, investigating, referring, and prosecuting complaints. It also enforces antitrust laws to protect businesses and consumers from practices that defeat healthy competition.
Two candidates are vying for the position of Attorney General: incumbent Jason Miyares and Democratic nominee Jay Jones. If elected, Jones would become the first Black person to hold this office in Virginia. The positions of these candidates on high-interest issues facing Virginia voters will be shared by 7News starting from September 29 at 5PM.
The top of the ticket is expected to influence down-ballot races. Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic frontrunner in the Governor's race, has maintained a lead in several polls. She is outspending Republican Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears 7-to-1. However, the Attorney General's race could potentially split the ticket.
Analysis of the positions of the candidates will be provided by Gary Nordlinger, Professor of Political Science at George Washington University, and Carah Ong Whaley, Executive Director of "Better Choices for Democracy" and a professor in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia.
Early voting in Virginia's Attorney General's race ends on November 1. Don't forget to exercise your right to vote!
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