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Mark Obenshain not running for governor in 2017

Chris Graham

obenshain2Mark Obenshain isn’t “going anywhere,” but he’s also not running for governor.

The Harrisonburg state senator confirmed via Twitter reports from earlier in the day on Monday that he will not be running for governor in 2017.

Obenshain had been considered a top contender for the 2017 Republican gubernatorial nomination after his near-miss race for attorney general in 2013, which ended with a narrow loss to Democrat Mark Herring.

Herring announced earlier this month that he will seek re-election to the attorney general post in 2017, leaving the path to the 2017 Democratic Party gubernatorial nomination wide open for Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam.

Obenshain’s announcement clears the pathway for Ed Gillespie, who lost by thismuch to U.S. Sen. Mark Warner in a surprisingly tight 2014 Senate race.

Former attorney general and 2013 GOP gubernatorial nominee Ken Cuccinelli is also considered a contender for the 2017 Republican nomination.

Obenshain is running for re-election to the State Senate in the 26th House District in the Nov. 3 general election. Democrat April Moore is challenging Obenshain in the 26th, which includes Harrisonburg and parts of Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, Page County, Rappahannock County and Warren County.

– Story by Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham, the king of "fringe media," a zero-time Virginia Sportswriter of the Year, and a member of zero Halls of Fame, is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].