RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia Republican state senator says she's running for governor next year as an unabashed conservative on a platform of promoting gun rights.
Sen. Amanda Chase announced her candidacy to a crowd of about 100 outside the Capitol on Monday, saying voters were unhappy with the state's new liberal direction under a Democratic majority.
Current Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, is not able to seek a consecutive term under state law.
A populist who often clashes with members of her own party, Chase represents a conservative district near Richmond and easily won reelection last year.
But she faces strong headwinds in a statewide race.
