Defying expectations that he would support incumbent Attorney General Mark Herring, Governor Ralph Northam instead endorsed Delegate Jay Jones (D-89), who is challenging Herring in the Democratic Primary.

“Jay Jones has stood with me every step of the way in our journey to make Virginia a more just and equitable place to live,” Northam said. “He has been my partner as we have worked to change our Commonwealth. He also understands the deep scars of racism and will represent the diversity of our Commonwealth. That is why I’m honored to endorse him in his race for Attorney General.”

This endorsement marks Northam’s first endorsement in the 2021 statewide elections.

“I’ve been enormously proud to stand with him every step of the way over the years, and I am excited to carry on the legacy that he and the First Lady are building,” Jones said in a statement about the endorsement. “I am grateful for his support as we enter this new decade standing shoulder to shoulder to create the Virginia that we can all be proud of.”

Jones is seen as the progressive candidate in the race. He has already received endorsements from Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-VA02) and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

Northam also noted in his statement that he was endorsing Jones in order to further diversity in the Commonwealth’s leadership.

Northam is best known for his controversial blackface scandal. Herring was among many officials who called on Northam to resign after the scandal became public, however, Herring himself also admitted to having worn blackface in the past and did not resign from his position following that revelation.

Jones, who is currently serving his second term as Delegate, would be the first Black person elected Attorney General in Virginia. He would also be the third Black person elected to statewide office after Fmr. Governor L. Douglas Wilder and Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax.