Amanda Chase announces candidacy for Virginia governor

Former Virginia state senator Amanda Chase has announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor, branding herself as the 'Trump in Heels' candidate to challenge Democratic frontrunner Abigail Spanberger. Chase, who previously lost the GOP primary in 2021, is motivated by concerns over the current Republican frontrunner, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, and seeks to galvanize Trump supporters in the state. She plans to implement a 'Virginia DOGE' initiative, similar to Elon Musk's efficiency program, to reduce state spending. Despite Earle-Sears' statewide recognition and endorsement from outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Chase's entry into the race could lead to a contentious primary. Political analysts warn that focusing on unpopular federal cuts may harm GOP chances in Virginia, a state with a significant number of federal workers. Chase must collect 10,000 signatures, including 400 from each congressional district, to qualify for the primary ballot by the April deadline.