Virginia Governor's Race 2017: Where Each Candidate Stands On The Issues

Voting day is Tuesday, June 13, and if you've waited until now to learn about the candidates for Virginia governor, it's not too late. We've got a roundup of the five candidates, where they come from and what views they have on key issues. They are listed below in alphabetical order by last name.

Ed Gillespie (Republican)

About:

• Born and raised in New Jersey
• Began his career on Capitol Hill as a Senate parking lot attendant
• Has a wife and three children
• Served as a top aide to former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas)
• Was a principal drafter of the GOP's 1994 "Contract With America"
• Selected as chairman of the Republican National Committee in 2003
• Narrowly lost to Mark Warner in 2014 in the race for a U.S. Senate seat

Statement of purpose from his official website: "It’s time for a plan to get Virginia growing again with across-the-board policy reforms that cover taxes, regulation, education, transportation, healthcare and public safety. This year I will put forward a serious and substantive vision for Virginia to create jobs, raise take-home pay and help people lift themselves out of poverty. Our vision is one based on our Constitutional principles of limited, effective government. Toward that end, I have created nine policy working groups led by members of the General Assembly that are working to develop fresh ideas to invigorate the Virginia economy, improve our quality of life and ensure Virginia remains the best place to live, work and raise a family. In the months ahead, we will lay out specific policies on a number of issues that matter to you."

For more details on Gillespie's views on the issues, click here.

Ralph Northam (Democrat)

About:

• Current lieutenant governor of Virginia under Gov. Terry McAuliffe
• Born and raised on Virginia's Eastern Shore
• Graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1981
• Served in the U.S. Army from 1984 to 1992
• Won a campaign for Virginia's 6th Senate district seat in 2007
• Won the race for Virginia's lieutenant governor in 2013
• Has two children
• Describes himself as a "conservative on fiscal issues and liberal on social issues"

State of purpose from his official website: "Virginia gave Ralph the opportunity to succeed. Whether it's attending good public schools, starting a small business, or raising a family, Ralph wants every Virginian to have the same opportunities he’s had."

For more details on Northam's views on the issues, click here.

Tom Perriello (Democrat)

About:

• Born in Charlottesville, currently lives in Alexandria
• Was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 5th district in 2009, served one term
• Served as special representative for the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review for President Obama from 2014-2015, and was U.S. Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Reigon of Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2015 to 2016
• Was recently endorsed by Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo

Statement of purpose from his official website: "I'm running for Governor of Virginia because our state must be a firewall against hate, corruption, and President Trump's assault on the Virginia values of decency and progress."

For more details on Perriello's views on the issues, click here.

Corey Stewart (Republican)

About:

• Hails from Duluth, Minnesota, and settled in Woodbridge, Virginia, after graduating law school
• Has a wife and two sons
• Was unsuccessful in a bid for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in the 2013 election
• Served as chair of Donald Trump's presidential campaign in Virginia but was fired in October 2016 after holding a demonstration in front of the Republican National Committee's headquarters in D.C.
• Once accused Ralph Northam, another Virginia governor candidate, of being partially responsible in the 2016 killing of police officers in Dallas, Texas

Statement of purpose from his official website: "I am running for Governor to take back Virginia from the establishment and political elites in Richmond. This year we continue the grassroots movement that took back the White House. I will work to bring jobs back to the Commonwealth and create a better business climate - especially for those struggling rural regions that need it the most. I will stand with our Law Enforcement, Veterans, and blue collar workers. And I’ll never back down from conservative principles of fighting illegal immigration, defending the Second Amendment, and protecting life. I’m running to fight for you."

For more details on Stewart's views on the issues, click here.

Frank Wagner (Republican)

About:

• Born at a U.S. Air Force base in England
• Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1977 and served in the Navy from 1973 to 1982 as a diving and salvage officer
• Co-owns a boat building-and-repair business
• Served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1992-2001
• Elected to the Senate of Virginia in December 2000 to represent the 7th District of Virginia Beach and Norfolk, a position he holds today

Statement of purpose from his official website: "Frank is the only Republican candidate for Governor with a record of helping veterans and their families as a member of the General Assembly. ... Frank Wagner is the only Republican candidate for governor who has built multiple successful, manufacturing businesses in Virginia. ... Frank Wagner has served 25 years as a citizen legislator in the Virginia General Assembly. ... Except for a short time during Frank's parent’s military service or his own military service, Frank Wagner has lived in Virginia his entire life."

For more details on Wagner's views on the issues, click here.

Images via candidates' official websites and Wikimedia Commons