(WSLS 10) - Two people have stepped forward and announced their candidacy for Virginia's 5th Congressional District.
On Dec. 23, Jim McKelvey has declared his candidacy. Officials said McKelvey, an accomplished self-made entrepreneur specializing in construction and land development.
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They said McKelvey believes his business experience makes him the best fit for the position.
Below is Jim McKelvey's official announcement:
"For the past many years we have watched our Republic be victimized by the political class," states McKelvey. "Since Barack Obama took office, we have seen patriotic Americans stand up to Washington and at all levels of government. Millions of grassroots patriots have worked and sacrificed to put people into office that would represent them, and work to shore up the damage, and hopefully reverse it. But, it has only gotten worse. The GOP in Washington has completely let down the American people by merging with liberal democrats and insuring the liberal agenda becomes law of the land. We see the destruction all around us."
"If we don't stop this, we will not have a country. Ever-expanding regulations, completely irresponsible spending, insane immigration policies, no coherent foreign policy, and no plan to correct these problems, has endangered the futures of our children and grandchildren. For these reasons I am declaring my candidacy to represent the citizens of Virginia's Fifth Congressional district."
"It's time to TAKE OUR COUNTRY back and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
On Wednesday, Senator Tom Garrett (R-Buckingham) declared his candidacy for Virginia's 5th Congressional District.
Below is Senator Garrett's official announcement:
"I am running for Congress in 2016." he said. "Robert Hurt served The Commonwealth and nation honorably. Now, we must choose a new Congressman who will be a strong voice for Virginia's 5th District. I will be that man."
Earlier today incumbent Robert Hurt indicated that he would not seek re-election to Congress. Hurt was elected to the 5th Congressional district in 2010 and re-elected in 2012 and 2014.
"These are dangerous times. My background as a combat arms veteran, prosecutor, and pro liberty legislator make me the best candidate to protect America from Islamic extremism abroad and fiscal imprudence at home." said Garrett.
Garrett added, "The last seven years President Obama has systemically sought to reduce America's presence in the world while simultaneously engaging in a reckless pattern of deficit spending at home. I will be a tireless warrior in the fight for a balanced federal budget, a government limited by constitutional parameters, and restoring America to her role as a shining beacon of freedom to the world."
Garrett was elected Louisa County Commonwealth's attorney in 2005, and elected to the Virginia state senate in 2011 and 2015. In the 5th congressional district, Garrett currently represents Fluvanna, Buckingham, Cumberland, Appomattox and Prince Edward counties. Outside of the 5th, he represents Amherst, Goochland, and parts of Louisa as well as part of the City of Lynchburg.
In just four years in the Virginia Senate, Garrett received numerous recognitions and awards including the 2014 Virginia Chamber of Commerce Legislator of the Year, 2013 American Conservative Union Defender of Liberty Award, 2012 Virginia Chamber of Commerce Freshman Legislator of the Year Award, and is routinely rated highest by the NRA, Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Citizens Defense League, Virginia Association of Realtors, American Conservative Union, Family Foundation, and Virginia National Federation of Independent Business.