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Carl Eggleston will not be on the June primary ballot for lieutenant governor. The Farmville businessman failed to qualify, according to the Virginia Department of Elections, not collecting the 10,000 signatures needed to advance. 

In a statement to The Herald, Eggleston said he would have been stepping away from the campaign regardless, “due to numerous non-life threatening medical procedures I will have to endure,” Eggleston wrote. “My website as well as my email will remain fully functioning in the event I decide I will be running for office again in the future and wish to continue to communicate with you all.” 

Eggleston also thanked his supporters for their prayers, contributions and well wishes.  

“I want to give a special thanks to all who’ve helped with my campaign and carried petitions for us,” Eggleston wrote. “I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling around this great state, meeting you all and sharing my story.” 

He added that he looked forward to working with many on the campaign later on. 

“Your support and enthusiasm has not gone unnoticed. All of your hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated, because of your help we got this far,” he told supporters. “Because of this I hope to in the future continue sharing my story and beliefs of making every person in Virginia eligible for free education to receive a college degree or some technical certification. “Education leads the way” to a brighter and more productive future. I wish to create a pathway where everyone is eligible for home ownership and to have a high education level to boost Virginia’s economy. I will continue to do all I can from the platforms I currently have and continue to support Virginia Democrats.” 

Carl Eggleston campaign attracted endorsements

The Farmville businessman, who owns Oliver and Eggleston Funeral Establishment, had collected several endorsements for his campaign since it launched back in June 2024. Congressman Don Beyer was one of them, saying Eggleston has been a good friend of his for 40 years. Also on the list were former Sen. Henry L. Marsh III and John W. Boyd Jr., President of the National Black Farmers Association. 

Who is in the race? 

As it stands, there are six candidates still running to be the Democratic nominee in the lieutenant governor’s race. That includes Babur Lateef, Prince William County School Board chairperson; 22nd District State Senator Aaron Rouse; federal prosecutor Victor Salgado; former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and attorney Alex Bastani. 

On the Republican side, there are two candidates. Fairfax County supervisor Pat Herrity and WRA radio host John Reid are both still in the running for the seat. Business consultant John Curran failed to qualify for the ballot. The Republican candidates have been invited to a debate later this month in Cumberland County, to be held April 29 at Spruceberry Farm. Meanwhile, the primaries for both parties will take place on June 17. Voters will be asked to go to their regular polling places to cast a ballot.