Leaders from the Prince William area on Thursday endorsed Fmr. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe in his second gubernatorial bid.

These leaders include Prince William County School Board Chairman Babur B. Lateef, Fmr. Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi, Occoquan Mayor Earnest “Earnie” Porta, Jr., Manassas City Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger, Manassas City Vice Mayor Pamela Sebesky, Manassas City Treasurer Patricia Richie-Folks, and Manassas City Councilmembers Mark Wolfe, David Farajollahi, and Ralph Smith.

“Our Commonwealth has faced unprecedented challenges in the last year with compounding crises in the pandemic and economic fallout. Now more than ever, we need the bold, experienced leadership that Terry McAuliffe brings to the table,” said Davis-Younger. “I’m supporting Terry because he has the bold vision and proven experience to rebuild the post-COVID economy. He will use this opportunity to move us forward and make our economy work for all Virginians.”

State Senator John Bell (D-87) and Delegate Luke Torian (D-52) already endorsed McAuliffe after he announced his bid.

McAuliffe broke records with his first finance report, having raised more than $6 million so far in his campaign. He previously served as Governor of Virginia from 2014 to 2018. His second bid for governor was long-anticipated after he refused to enter the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary.

McAuliffe is will face off against four other candidates in the Democratic Gubernatorial Primary: Fmr. Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy; State Senate Jennifer McClellan(D-9); Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax; and Delegate Lee Carter (D-50).

If victorious, McAuliffe would be the first governor since Mills Godwin to serve two terms. The Constitution of Virginia prevents governors from serving two consecutive terms.