Virginia Democrats are facing their worst news cycle in recent history.
First, the Governor was embroiled in a racism scandal, then the Lt. Governor was hit with sexual assault claims.
Now, the Attorney General is facing a blackface scandal of his own.
Attorney General Mark Herring (D) has just admitted to dressing as an African American rap artist and wearing blackface during college.
The Admission comes after Herring called for Governor Ralph Northam (D)’s resignation who is facing a similar blackface scandal.
As the Attorney General, Herring is third in line to become Governor of Virginia.
Across the nation, Democrats have already called for Gov. Northam to resign.
Then, an accusation of sexual assault threw Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax (D) into a scandal of his own;
Herring appeared to be a likely candidate to succeed both Democrats in the case they choose to resign.
But now, Herring’s prospects of becoming governor have just diminished.
Late last week, Herring had said “it is no longer possible” for Gov. Northam to stay in office after his link to the blackface and KKK photo on his yearbook page was revealed.
Herring and Friends Dress as Rappers for Halloween Party
In a written statement, Herring revealed how the events unfolded.
“In 1980, when I was a 19-year-old undergraduate in college, some friends suggested we attend a party dressed like rappers we listened to at the time, like Kurtis Blow, and perform a song,” Herring stated, “we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup.”
Herring wrote that he recognizes it sounds ridiculous now, but at the time he “did not have an appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of others.
Later in his statement, Herring swiveled to describe his career of fighting for the rights of communities of color.
He described several efforts, including his work to restore the rights of felons to vote.
“I have long supported efforts to empower communities of color by fighting for access to healthcare, making it easier and simpler to vote, and twice defended the historic re-enfranchisement of former felons before the Supreme Court of Virginia.”
Herring only state he’s considering stepping down.
“[Honest] conversations and discussions will make it clear whether I can or should continue to serve as attorney general.”
What do you think?
Should Attorney General Mark Herring resign after these revelations?
Will his actions affect his run for Governor of Virginia?
Let us know in the comments section below!