As first reported by Potomac Local on Wednesday night, Republican, Heather Mitchell will run for House of Delegates in the special election following Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy’s resignation from the 2nd District seat. Mitchell officially announced her candidacy on Thursday morning.

Carroll Foy released a video via Twitter Tuesday morning announcing that she is stepping down to focus on her gubernatorial campaign.

Mitchell, a resident of Stafford County, ran against Carroll Foy in the 2019 election, garnering 38.7% of the vote. Mitchell’s 2019 campaign focused on transportation, education, and veterans issues. She is a military spouse and mother of three children.

Mitchell released the following statement:

“I once was a single mom who held three jobs, so I understand the radical uncertainty – and difficult trade-offs – COVID-19 has brought upon families and our community. Yet instead of committing themselves to the fight against this unprecedented global health crisis, Democrats in Richmond have turned their backs against our frontline workers, our heroes in blue, by working to defund our police.

“AND they have made our communities less safe by voting to release violent felons and sexual predators back into our communities – with no regard for the requirements mandated by law to protect victims and inform prosecutors – during this critical time when many find themselves isolated and alone.

“As your Delegate, I will always be there for those who work to keep the rest of us safe. I will have no greater priority than the health and safety of our police and frontline heroes, small businesses, teachers and essential workers. It’s time we bring sanity back to Richmond and focus on protecting citizens.”

Mitchell has a background as a campaign staffer, having worked for Fmr. Chair of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors Corey Stewart in his gubernatorial and senatorial races, Delegate Margaret Ransone, Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer, and President Donald Trump. She also served as Senior Aide to Stewart for part of his time on the Board of County Supervisors.

Mitchell is thus far the only Republican to run for the newly vacated seat. Three Democrats have announced intentions to seek their party’s nomination, Rozia Henson, Jr., Candi King, and Pamela Montgomery.

The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, January 5, 2021.