RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says he will seek another four-year term as the state's top attorney.
The Democrat was widely considered to be a likely candidate for governor in 2017.
But Herring said in a statement Wednesday that he wants to build upon the progress he has made as attorney general, like reducing campus sexual violence and implementing policies to stem the growing heroin crisis.
Herring said that "requires an attorney general who is fiercely and fearlessly committed to promoting justice, equality and opportunity for all Virginians."
Herring's decision not to seek the governor's mansion clears the path for Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, who has said he plans to run for the top office in 2017.
