Republican Party of Virginia 2nd Congressional District Chairman Gary Byler received a key endorsement for his campaign to be the GOP nominee in the 85th House of Delegates from a longtime paragon of Virginia Beach politics, former state senator and now Sheriff Ken Stolle.
“I have known Gary Byler for over 30 years and he will be an asset to our community serving us in Richmond. I’m proud to endorse him and I hope you will join me,” Stolle said in a Byler release late last week.
Byler, who is being challenged by school board member Patrick Salyer and local businessman and Fox News contributor Scott Taylor, called the Sheriff’s endorsement “an important boost to his campaign.”
“Sheriff Ken Stolle is one of the most accomplished and respected leaders in Virginia Beach. To have his backing in this critical campaign to hold the 85th district seat for our Republican majority makes me extremely proud, and is an encouraging sign that we’re off to a great start,” said Byler.
The Virginia Beach district is currently represented by longtime delegate Bob Tata. Tata, who has been serving since 1984, announced his retirement last year. The nomination will be held via a primary on June 11.