Rep. Bobby Scott, D-VA03, is keeping his name in the mix for a potential run seeking the Democratic nomination for governor later this year. If he were to run, it would create a primary between him and former Rep. Abigail Spanberger.
While he has not officially jumped into the race, Scott did not rule out a run in a comment first reported by Punchbowl’s Mica Soellner.
“Rep. Bobby Scott said while he is ‘focused on his work here’ at the Capitol, he still ‘has not ruled anything out’ regarding a potential primary challenge against Spanberger for Dem nomination,” Soellner reported.
Sources continue to tell Virginia Scope that there is no chance Scott actually jumps into the race.
He is the ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce. He would be chair of this prestigious committee if Democrats gain the majority in 2026.
Additionally, it is getting late in the 2025 cycle for him to jump into a statewide race.
However, there are some benefits to Scott keeping his name in the conversation.
“There’s no reason not to stretch this out,” said Richard Meagher, a political science professor at Randolph Macon College. “It’s nice to get the attention, and it can only help for his future prospects.”
Meagher pointed out that these conversations help Scott see who is really on his team in Democratic politics for future reference.
“This way Scott gets to know who his friends are, whether he stays in his current position or decides to make a run for something else.”