Virginia State Senator, former Virginia Beach Councilman, and retired NFL player, Aaron Rouse today announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor. Senator Rouse made the following statement:
With extreme Republicans fixated on stripping our fundamental freedoms and funding corporate tax breaks on the backs of everyday Virginians, and Donald Trump on the ballot again, there is no margin for error. Democrats must retake control of our statewide offices in 2025.
I’ve built my career on winning in tough spots when it matters – whether it be under the glare of NFL lights or flipping the State Senate seat needed to ensure we blocked Republicans’ assaults on reproductive freedom and voting rights. Virginia is ready for a new generation of leaders to step up. That’s why I am running to be the next Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Senator Rouse announces his campaign with the support of leaders from every corner of the Commonwealth, including Senate President pro tempore, Louise Lucas, and Senate Democratic Caucus Chair, Mamie Locke.
“When Aaron Rouse was elected, it guaranteed that no abortion ban would make it past our pro-choice brick wall in the Virginia Senate,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas. “He has held the line against Republican attacks on a woman’s right to choose, on Virginia workers, on public education, and so much more. Aaron has had my back in the Senate, and I am proud to be endorsing his campaign for Lieutenant Governor.”
“Aaron Rouse represents the next generation of leadership that Virginia needs. We are making progress with our Democratic majorities in the General Assembly but not fast enough,” said Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke. “We need change at the top in order to move our Commonwealth forward. From protecting abortion rights to saving our democracy from another Trump Presidency, we need a fighter. And Aaron Rouse knows how to fight and win.”
Senator Aaron Rouse is also endorsed by the following leaders from across the Commonwealth:
Senator Angelia Williams Graves
Norfolk
Delegate Alex Askew
Virginia Beach, Norfolk
Delegate Bonita Anthony
NorfolkDelegate Cliff Hayes
Chesapeake
Delegate Michael Feggans
Virginia Beach
Delegate Nadarius Clark
Suffolk
Delegate Phil Hernandez
Norfolk
Commonwealth’s Attorney
Ramin Fatehi
Norfolk
Mayor Phillip Jones
Newport News
Mayor Sherman Lea
Roanoke
Vice Mayor Lisa Lucas-Burke
Portsmouth
Vice Mayor Lue Ward, Jr.
Suffolk
Vice Mayor Trish Boyd-White
Roanoke
Vice Mayor Jimmy Gray
Hampton
Councilman Worth Remick
Virginia Beach
Councilwoman Jennifer Rouse
Virginia Beach
Councilwoman Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond
Virginia Beach
Councilman Joashua Schulman
Virginia Beach
Councilwoman Andria McClellan
Norfolk
Councilman John E. “JP” Paige
Norfolk
Councilwoman Danica Royster
Norfolk
Councilman Vernon Tillage, Jr.
Portsmouth
Councilwoman Jessie Foster
Radford
Former Senator Lionell Spruill
Chesapeake
Rouse was born and raised in Hampton Roads. He learned the value of hard work at a young age, helping to support his single mom and siblings — doing everything from pumping gas to cleaning buses. Rouse eventually earned a full scholarship to Virginia Tech, making him the first in his family to graduate college. After graduation, Rouse was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Following his retirement from the NFL, Rouse returned home to Virginia Beach to begin his career in public service — founding Rouse’s House, a nonprofit organization that instills the value of education in the next generation, and serving on the Virginia Beach City Council.
In 2023, Rouse was elected to the Virginia State Senate. He currently resides in the heart of Virginia Beach with his wife, Virginia Beach Councilwoman Jennifer Valentine-Rouse, and his son and daughter.
For press inquiries, contact [email protected] or 757.749.6080
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