Republican Ed Gillespie Launches Campaign for Governor of Virginia

Republican Ed Gillespie made his run for governor official Monday, saying "I will be a governor for all Virginians" in an announcement to supporters about the formation of an official gubernatorial committee and a newly launched campaign Web site.

Gillespie, who worked as counselor in the George W. Bush White House, and chaired the Republican National Committee, has made it known for some time that he is running. He ran for the U.S. Senate in 2014 against incumbent Sen. Mark Warner and came very close to beating Warner, a popular Democrat, getting 48.3 percent of the vote to Warner's 49.1 percent.

Gillespie serves on the board of trustees of his alma mater, Catholic University of America, Politico reports. He got his first job on Capitol Hill—as a Senate parking lot attendant, while he was a student there. He met Cathy, his wife, on a congressional league softball team. They have three children: John, Carrie and Mollie and live in the Mount Vernon area, Politico reports.

The Washington Post reports Gillespie will launch a statewide tour in January.

Gillespie on Monday laid out some of the reasons why he's running, in his note to supporters: "It’s clear to me that Virginians share a vision of -- and a passion for -- limited, effective government that will grow our economy, foster private sector job creation and get Virginia growing again," he said.

"That's why I'm excited to take the next steps toward running for Governor. We have just formed our official gubernatorial committee and launched our new website. My goal is to unify our Party behind a vision for Virginia, bring people together to achieve our goals and communicate our principles and values and lead our Republican ticket to victory in November of 2017.

"I will work tirelessly to achieve these goals. I will be a governor for all Virginians and I will take our campaign to all Virginians. Together, we will get Virginia back on track, grow our economy and create jobs now -- and for the next generation.I am committed to working harder than anyone ever has -- and hope you will join me in that effort in your community. Together, we will WIN next November!"

Gillespie faces competition in a GOP primary next year from fellow Republicans Corey Stewart, chair of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors (he also made headlines when he was fired from Donald Trump's campaign in Virginia), as well as U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman and state Sen. Frank Wagner.

A University of Mary Washington poll this fall shows Gillespie as the frontrunner in the race.

Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam is the only Democrat currently in the race.

Gillespie tweeted out a message to supporters Monday about his EdforVirginia.com Web site.

PHOTO of Ed Gillespie via Twitter