RICHMOND, Va. — Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity announced Monday that he is withdrawing from the 2025 race for Virginia lieutenant governor, citing ongoing health complications following heart surgery.
Herrity, a longtime Republican public servant with over 15 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, launched his statewide campaign in January. However, a medical incident in March, followed by heart surgery, led to a temporary suspension of his campaign. On April 21, in a public statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Herrity confirmed that the break would now be permanent.
“Since my heart surgery on March 13 and the subsequent complications, I have been working hard to regain my strength and return to the campaign trail,” Herrity wrote. “I have come to the realization that my ability to get back to the 150 percent that I was giving… is not possible in the near future.”
Herrity clarified that he had not suffered a stroke or heart attack, but underwent surgery to correct a genetic heart defect. Though his doctors anticipate a full recovery, complications have slowed the healing process, he said. He currently walks more than three miles a day and climbs stairs regularly, but noted that the physical and mental demands of a statewide campaign would risk delaying his recovery and jeopardizing his health.
“It has been an extreme pleasure and honor to meet so many great people and leaders as I traveled the Commonwealth early in the campaign,” Herrity said. “I remain committed to serving the residents of Fairfax County as the voice of balance and common sense on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.”
Herrity expressed strong support for the Republican ticket, including Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running for governor, and Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is seeking re-election.
With Herrity stepping aside, conservative radio host John Reid, the only remaining Republican candidate, will become the party’s nominee for lieutenant governor. In a statement released shortly after Herrity’s announcement, Reid praised Herrity’s service and wished him well in his recovery.
“Pat has been a gentleman during this campaign and he has devoted many years of his life to serving the people of Fairfax and of Virginia,” Reid said. “We all owe a debt of gratitude to responsible men and women who step forward into the arena.”
Herrity’s departure reshapes the GOP field just months ahead of the Republican nominating convention and sets the stage for Reid to take a more prominent role in statewide campaigning.
