The Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) released that Delegate Lee Carter (D-Manassas) has filed paperwork in order to raise money for a gubernatorial bid in next year’s Democratic Primary.

Speculation about Carter’s potential candidacy for governor was sparked last month after he hinted on Twitter that he may be considering running to lead the Commonwealth.

“I’m considering running for governor, but the decision on whether or not to run will be based on what I hear from the declared candidates,” Carter told the PW Perspective. He said that he is waiting to see if any of the other candidates are willing to take the progressive stands that Commonwealth needs, adding that he felt it was necessary to file the paperwork so that he could keep up should he decide to run.

Carter is a former marine and an IT specialist. He currently serves as the only self-described socialist elected in the Commonwealth. He won his seat during 2017’s “Blue Wave”, beating Fmr. House of Delegates Majority Whip Jackson Miller with 54.3% of the vote. Carter was re-elected by similar margins in 2019 against a different Republican opponent.

Carter’s position as a Democratic Socialist has often drawn criticism from his colleagues in the General Assembly. During his time in the House Delegates, Carter has focused heavily on criminal justice reform, healthcare, and worker and consumer rights. Some of his accomplishments include the $50 co-pay cap for insulin, introducing legislation to legalize marijuana, and fighting for net neutrality.

Should Carter decide to run for reelection to his General Assembly seat, he already has one challenger. Republican Michael Allers, Jr. is running for the District 50 seat as a moderate Republican. 

To learn more about Carter, visit his website.