Ralph Northam backs predecessor Terry McAuliffe for Virginia governor

Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Thursday will endorse his predecessor Terry McAuliffe in the race to succeed him, AP reports.

Why it matters: The endorsement could give McAuliffe a boost ahead of the state's gubernatorial Democratic primary, set to take place in June. Northam's endorsement is thought to carry weight in the contest, on the back of a tenure which saw Virginia shift dramatically to the left.

• McAuliffe will face off against former Virginia Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy and state Sen. Jennifer McClellan — both of whom would make history as the nation's first Black female governors — as well as Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and Del. Lee Carter.
• Polling has indicated McAuliffe is leading the race. He would be the first person since the 1970s to serve non-consecutive terms as Virginia’s governor.

What he's saying: “Terry’s strong record of delivering for Virginians is exactly why we need him as our next governor,” Northam said in a statement obtained by AP.

• “We will need bold leadership ready to build a more equitable post-COVID economy that creates jobs, invests in workers, ensures equitable access to quality affordable health care, and rebuilds Virginia’s thriving network of small businesses.”