Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, a Democrat who represents parts of Prince William County and parts of Stafford County, filed campaign paperwork on Friday to form a committee to run for Governor of Virginia in 2021.

According to records from the Virginia Department of Elections, Carroll Foy (D-Woodbridge), who is currently serving her second term as State Delegate, filed to create a committee named “Jennifer Carroll Foy for Governor”.

“In her short time as delegate, Jennifer Carroll Foy has distinguished herself as a leading voice on criminal justice reform, labor rights, and reproductive freedom,” said Stafford Democratic Committee Chair Benjamin Litchfield. “She is beloved by the Democratic grassroots and will be a strong contender for governor next year. She also offers a real alternative for Democrats who are tired of business as usual in Richmond.”

Prior to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Carroll Foy had scheduled a post-legislative session campaign where she was expected to make an announcement regarding her candidacy for governor in 2021. The event was first postponed due to the extension of the legislative session and later cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Foy is one of the first candidates to begin the filing process for what will likely be a crowded Democratic Primary. Attorney General Mark Herring and Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax have both declared their intentions to run for governor next year. Additionally, Former Governor Terry McAuliffe has humored the idea that he may run for the position again. McAuliffe Served as governor between 2013 and 2017 but was forced to step down due to the fact that the Governor of Virginia cannot serve two consecutive terms. Other possible and probable candidates include State Senator Jennifer McClellan, Richmond’s Mayor Levar Stoney, and Norfolk’s Mayor Kenny Alexander.

If Carroll Foy wins the gubernatorial election, she will be the first Black woman to serve as a governor in the United States and the second Black Governor of Virginia. She would also be the first woman to be Governor of Virginia. The same is true for McClellan.

Carroll Foy has yet to make a statement on her candidacy due to the current situation regarding the pandemic, and it is yet to be known when her campaign will officially launch.