RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia’s Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican known for his focus on tackling election fraud and other conservative initiatives, announced on Monday his intention to run for reelection next year, putting to rest rumors about a potential run for governor.
In a video shared on the social media platform X, Miyares expressed his commitment to continue serving as the attorney general, leveraging his experience of nearly a decade in politics. His decision effectively addresses speculation about a possible candidacy to succeed Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is unable to seek another term due to state constitutional limits.
“Three years ago, I made a promise to the people of Virginia: to keep you and your family safe,” Miyares asserted in the video announcement. “As attorney general, I serve as the people’s protector.”
At 48 years old, Miyares was elected to his current position in 2021 after previously working as a local attorney and serving in the House of Delegates representing Virginia Beach. He achieved victory over two-term Democrat Mark Herring, transforming what was traditionally a liberal office into a more conservative force.
He established an “election integrity unit” and effectively defended the state in efforts to remove individuals accused of being noncitizens from voter rolls just weeks before the November presidential election—a move that sparked backlash from Democrats and organizations advocating for voting rights.
In the race for the attorney general seat, Miyares is joined by Democrats Jay Jones, a former delegate from Norfolk, and Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor. This marks Jones’ second attempt to secure the Democratic nomination; he previously lost in the primary against Herring in 2021.
Currently, Miyares is the only Republican candidate running for his party’s nomination, positioning the Democratic primary winner as his likely opponent in the general election, unless another Republican enters the race.
Miyares had been frequently mentioned as a potential candidate for governor in 2025, alongside Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who has already begun her campaign. During a 2023 interview, Miyares refrained from confirming any gubernatorial ambitions but mentioned that it is always flattering to be considered for such a role.
Throughout his tenure, Miyares has established himself as a conservative leader, frequently clashing with progressive prosecutors in Northern Virginia advocating for criminal justice reform. His office has initiated programs in collaboration with local governments aimed at apprehending violent repeat offenders. Moreover, his administration has pursued charges against officials in Loudoun County related to assaults involving a student—a case that culminated in a controversial overturned conviction.
Miyares has forged significant connections with key figures in Washington, enhancing his national visibility. Notably, his former communications director, Victoria LaCivita, is the daughter of Chris LaCivita, a co-chair of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. LaCivita transitioned to working for the Trump campaign in Michigan in 2024.
As previously noted by local media, Miyares served as a Virginia co-chair for Sen. Marco Rubio’s bid for the presidency in 2016, with Rubio later supporting a fundraiser for Miyares in December 2017. Both men share the background of being children of Cuban immigrants.
“I’ve worked to protect the American dream because it’s personal for me,” Miyares stated in the campaign video, adding a heartfelt note about his role in welcoming new citizens: “As a child of an immigrant, one of the proudest things I get to do is attend naturalization ceremonies and welcome these new Virginians home.”