Posed in front of the burgeoning construction of Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center on a cold, windy spring day, Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman At Large Corey Stewart (R) officially announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

Potomac Supervisor Maureen Caddigan announced Stewart, who stood to the side of the podium with his wife, Maria. Caddigan highlighted Stewart’s achievements while in his third term as chairman, citing job growth, AAA bond rating and economic development success under his leadership.

Stewart thanked his multiple supporters, including the hosts of the announcement site, the developers of Potomac Town Center. 

“This is exactly what we need in the Commonwealth,” Stewart said. “Government working with business, not against it.”

Stewart said it’s no secret that he’s coveted the position of Lieutenant Governor, but that he would not have been able to make it in politics were it not for the steadfast support of his wife. He spoke of his achievements while in office in Prince William County, including his 2007 Virginia Rule of Law campaign, which targeted illegal immigration in the county.

Stewart called it the “most successful crackdown of illegal immigration in the country.” He said that the violent crime rate in Prince William has declined 50 percent over five years, since he took office in 2006.

“S&P ugraded Prince William County to AAA rating a few months ago,” said Stewart. “Now all three credit agencies have rated us AAA across the board. Fiscal conservatism works.”

“This election is not just about Prince William County, it is about the Commonwealth as a whole,” said Stewart.

If elected, Stewart would be the 40^th Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.