Henrico prosecutor Shannon Taylor worked with law enforcement for years to convict criminals. Now, a number of law enforcement leaders have offered her backup as she runs for Congress.
The Democrat announced endorsements from 25 justice leaders as she challenges U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District. The list of public supporters includes 13 sheriffs, eight county or city attorneys, two former Virginia attorneys general, a former county attorney and a former U.S. Marshall.
“As Henrico’s top prosecutor, I’ve spent my career protecting our community because keeping families safe has always come first,” Taylor said.
“I’ve taken on the KKK and Neo-Nazis. I’ve gone after fraudsters and put sex traffickers behind bars. I’ve delivered a more than 90% homicide conviction rate. Law enforcement leaders across Virginia know my record, and I’m honored to have their support. Their endorsements reflect trust in my record, my judgment, and my commitment to keeping our streets safe and defending our rights. I’ll bring that same relentless focus on public safety and holding the corrupt accountable to Congress.”
Virginia sheriffs supporting Taylor include: Norfolk Sheriff Joseph Baron; Charlottesville Sheriff James Brown III; Alexandria Sheriff Sean Casey; Petersburg Sheriff Vanessa Crawford; Charles City Sheriff Jayson Crawley; Sussex Sheriff Ernest Giles; Henrico County Sheriff Alisa Gregory; Nottoway County Sheriff Robert Jones; Portsmouth Sheriff Michael Moore; Newport News Sheriff Gabriel Morgan; Winchester Sheriff William Sales; Surry County Sheriff Carlos Turner; and Southampton Sheriff Josh Wyche Sr.
“As a Sheriff of over 20 years, I know public safety takes steady leadership and real partnership,” Crawford said. “Shannon Taylor has spent her career working side-by-side with law enforcement to hold violent offenders accountable, support victims, and keep our communities safe. She understands what officers and deputies need to do their jobs, and she’ll bring that same practical, no-nonsense approach to Congress. I’m proud to endorse Shannon Taylor.”
A number of fellow Commonwealth’s Attorneys also lined up behind Taylor’s bid, including: Megan Clark of Prince Edward County; Matthew Hamel of Chesapeake; Jim Hingeley of Albemarle County; Libby Humphries of Fredericksburg; Stephanie Morales of Portsmouth; Joseph Platania of Charlottesville; Bryan Porter of Alexandria; and Regina Sykes of Sussex County. Former Smyth County Commonwealth’s Attorney Roy Evans also endorsed Taylor.
Additionally, former Virginia Attorneys General Mark Herring and Mary Sue Terry both endorsed the Democrat, as did former U.S. Marshal Bobby Mathieson.
Taylor’s campaign noted homicides declined 91% from when Taylor first took office as Henrico County’s Commonwealth Attorney in 2011.
Gregory has worked with Taylor in the Henrico jurisdiction for years. Her office has successfully prosecuted 125 people for homicide, 756 for sex trafficking, more than 1,500 on drug distribution charges and 665 for soliciting child porn online.
“As Henrico County’s Sheriff, I have worked closely with Shannon over the years,” Gregory said.
“She understands the importance of supporting law enforcement and making sure we have the tools and partnerships needed to keep our community safe. Her office has been a vital partner in protecting our community, standing up for victims, and holding violent offenders accountable. Shannon is a strong and effective leader who cares deeply about keeping Henrico safe, and I know she will bring that same commitment to Congress.”
Taylor was among the first candidates named this election cycle to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue program.
