{"id":2651059,"date":"2026-08-28T09:24:03","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T13:24:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-sheriffs-back-rob-wittman-over-softest-prosecutor-shannon-taylor\/"},"modified":"2026-08-28T09:35:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T13:35:25","slug":"virginia-sheriffs-back-rob-wittman-over-softest-prosecutor-shannon-taylor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/virginia-sheriffs-back-rob-wittman-over-softest-prosecutor-shannon-taylor\/","title":{"rendered":"Virginia sheriffs back Rob Wittman over &#8216;softest&#8217; prosecutor Shannon Taylor"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fvirginia-sheriffs-back-rob-wittman-over-softest-prosecutor-shannon-taylor%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2651059&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) is facing a competitive re-election campaign against Henrico County\u2019s top prosecutor, Shannon Taylor, a prominent Democratic candidate.Taylor emphasizes her law and order background, touting her record as a four-term prosecutor known for tackling violent crime and fraud, and leading Virginia in prosecuting sex traffickers. Her prosecutorial background could be beneficial in a district that leans Republican by addressing the crime issue, where Republicans typically hold an edge.<\/p>\n<p>Wittman, a longtime congressman with a public health background, is countering her appeal by portraying her as soft on crime. he has garnered support from 14 sheriffs and released ads criticizing her record, claiming she releases risky criminals early.Wittman also criticizes Taylor for past defense work and leniency on drug offenders seeking treatment. Meanwhile, Taylor highlights her support from 13 sheriffs and emphasizes her success, including a high homicide conviction rate and meaningful drop in murders in Henrico.<\/p>\n<p>President Trump won this district in 2024 by nearly 5 points, while Wittman\u2019s recent victory was by 13 points against a less funded opponent. The race centers heavily on law enforcement endorsements, crime policies, and candidate records, with both sides trading criticisms and emphasizing law and order credentials.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>EXCLUSIVE \u2014<\/strong> Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) faces a competitive reelection <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/campaign\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"801\">campaign<\/a> against Henrico County\u2019s top prosecutor, but he\u2019s betting that her biggest asset \u2014 a background in law and order \u2014 might instead be a liability on the campaign trail.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shannon Taylor, considered a top recruit for Democrats, has leaned into her background on the campaign trail. She\u2019s the four<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >-time elected prosecutor<\/a> in one of the district\u2019s biggest counties and ran for <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/virginia\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/virginia\">Virginia<\/a> attorney general in 2025. Her <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shannontaylorva.com\/\">campaign website<\/a> boasts that \u201cshe\u2019s locked up violent criminals, taken on fraudsters and scammers, made Henrico a statewide leader in prosecuting sex traffickers, and delivered justice.\u201d<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4702821\/battleground-republican-casts-prosecutor-opponent-soft-on-crime\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>\u2018She lets the worst criminals out of jail early\u2019: Battleground Republican casts prosecutor opponent as soft on crime<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4703065\/deflock-flock-cameras-surveillance-midterms\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>DeFlock started from one man\u2019s curiosity \u2014 now Flock cameras are a midterm issue<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4703458\/abdul-el-sayed-says-he-rejects-super-pacs-he-is-benefiting-from-them-anyway\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Abdul el Sayed says he rejects super PACs. He\u2019s benefiting from them anyway<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a Republican-leaning district, Taylor\u2019s prosecutorial background could help her dispel the notion that Democrats aren\u2019t strong on crime, an issue in which Republicans historically hold an advantage.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But Wittman, a longtime congressman with a background in public health, is casting his opponent as soft on crime in an effort to diffuse Taylor\u2019s potential built-in advantage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Friday, Wittman announced the support of 14 sheriffs across the district, shared first with the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>. The endorsements underline his contrast on crime with Taylor and suggest he\u2019ll continue to ding his opponent on issues relating to her resume.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier this week, he also released an ad touting the support he has received from law enforcement while attacking Taylor for her record on crime.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSome politicians brag about celebrity endorsements, but in my campaign, the celebrities backing me are these folks: law enforcement, everyday heroes, police, and sheriffs stand with me because they know me and they know my opponent. Shannon Taylor is one of Virginia\u2019s softest prosecutors,\u201d Wittman said in the ad while surrounded by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/public-radio-reporter-arrested-for-firebombing-police-cars\/\" title=\"Public Radio \u201c...orter\u201d Arrested For Firebombing Police Cars\">law enforcement officials<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cShe lets the worst criminals out of jail early,\u201d the congressman adds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Taylor was a a defense attorney for the law firm Boone Beale, she <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.12onyourside.com\/story\/15646387\/guilty-verdict-for-don-farmer-jury-recommends-125-year-sentence\/\">defended her client Don Farmer<\/a>, who was convicted on charges of murder, rape, burglary, and robbery. Taylor <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.wric.com\/news\/local-news\/henrico-county\/former-nicu-nurse-abuse-plea-agreement-terms\/amp\/__;!!LvYzicI!hNfMjeIpke9y7qza8lXn_yFfmBMM67tGvZB7yxuz9PGzbfJ0cYbiZ1_tHycUB1iWC9DnvXwzqqbW323a3LNRTdo$\">gave<\/a> a plea deal to someone convicted of harming newborn babies to the point of breaking limbs.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She also has given more lenient sentences for drug-related crimes if the offender seeks treatment, according to the <em>Richmond Times-Dispatch<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, Taylor dropped an ad Thursday also touting the support of 13 sheriffs as both candidates compete for law enforcement support.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just one of the 13 sheriffs, however, has jurisdiction within the congressional district.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-25\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Taylor campaign said \u201cher record speaks for itself\u201d and attacked Wittman for his long tenure on Capitol Hill.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/investigations\/4702454\/virginia-soros-prosecutor-steve-descano-faces-recall-effort\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/investigations\/4702454\/virginia-soros-prosecutor-steve-descano-faces-recall-effort\/\">VIRGINIA SOROS PROSECUTOR FACES RECALL EFFORT FROM GROUP TAKING CREDIT FOR UNSEATING NEW YORK DISTRICT ATTORNEY<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cShannon Taylor is proud to have the support of 13 sheriffs and law enforcement leaders across the Commonwealth because they know her record speaks for itself: a 90% homicide conviction rate, a historic 86% drop in murders under her leadership in Henrico, and a reputation as one of the toughest, most effective prosecutors in Virginia,\u201d Taylor campaign manager Sam Knapp told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>. \u201cWhile Rob Wittman made himself richer over the course of his nearly 20 years in Washington DC, Shannon made Henrico safer and took on anyone \u2014 regardless of party \u2014 to do what\u2019s right for Virginia.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-26\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President Donald Trump won this district \u2014 located outside of Richmond \u2014 by just under 5 points in 2024. Wittman won by 13 against an underfunded opponent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wittman bets law background hurts Taylor\u2019s campaign<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3691,"featured_media":2651060,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Rep.-Rob-Wittman-.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[51050,84808,84809,54750,5468],"class_list":["post-2651059","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-law-enforcement-2","tag-rob-wittman","tag-shannon-taylor","tag-sheriffs-2","tag-virginia"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Rep.-Rob-Wittman-.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2651059","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3691"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2651059"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2651059\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2651064,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2651059\/revisions\/2651064"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2651060"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2651059"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2651059"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2651059"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}