Majority of Virginia Sheriffs Endorse Senator Mark Warner for Re-Election

Press Release

Today, Senator Mark R. Warner's re-election campaign announced that a majority of sheriffs in Virginia have endorsed his re-election bid. The 63 sheriffs from across the Commonwealth are Republicans, Democrats and Independents. Virginia sheriffs are the only law enforcement officials elected in each locality of the Commonwealth.

"I'm pleased to offer my strong support for Senator Warner's re-election," said Sheriff Wakie Howard, of New Kent County, the most senior elected sheriff in Virginia. "Senator Warner has been a true friend to law enforcement for more than a decade. In tough budget times he worked to fund initiatives that strengthened our ability to keep Virginians safe. I appreciate that Senator Warner listens to our concerns and continues to work with us to foster stronger community partnerships across the Commonwealth."

Senator Warner has a long history of working to strengthen public safety in Virginia. As governor, Warner worked with a Republican-led legislature to pass a bipartisan budget that turned a $6 billion deficit into a surplus. This allowed the Commonwealth to honor its unmet commitments to help fund salaries for local police departments and sheriff's deputies.

In 2005, Mark Warner worked with local law enforcement to sign an executive order to stem methamphetamine production in the Commonwealth. Then-Governor Warner also made significant investments in the Statewide Agencies Radio System (STARS) to better help first responders communicate effectively and established a statewide AMBER Alert System to better inform Virginians about public safety emergencies.

Since joining the Senate in 2008, Mark Warner has worked with elected officials to announce millions of dollars in law enforcement grants for crime prevention and public safety programs. Senator Warner supports fair sentencing reforms, efforts to improve benefits for public safety officers harmed on duty and continues to advocate for resources that keep our local law enforcement officers safe.

"I am honored by the showing of support from these Virginia sheriffs, who work every day to keep our cities and towns safe," said Senator Mark Warner. "As governor and now as senator I have fought for initiatives that better help our local law enforcement officers protect Virginians. I remain committed to listening to Virginia's sheriffs and other public safety officials to continue to work towards our shared goal of a safer Virginia."

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