VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Councilman Aaron Rouse announced that he will no longer be running for mayor of the City of Virginia Beach.
Councilman Rouse announced then end of his campaign Saturday afternoon on his website.
Rouse says due to the global pandemic putting life at halt, he has decided to not ask for voter support.
Related: Virginia Beach City Councilman Aaron Rouse announces plan to run for mayor
Rouse released the following statement:
A few months ago, I made the decision to run to be your next Virginia Beach Mayor. Through my campaign, I have been blessed to meet with and build relationships with friends and neighbors in our city who care dearly about its future. I’ve been fortunate to be able to share my vision for Virginia Beach and to learn from many of you what matters most.
A few weeks after announcing my candidacy, along with the world, our lives changed unexpectedly, as a global pandemic put almost everything in our lives to a complete halt. While I had every intention of running a campaign working night and day connecting and shaking hands with residents in every corner of our city, the safety and well-being of every Virginia Beach resident are far more important.
It’s not the time for me to ask for your support and vote.
It’s the time for me to support this city and its residents with getting back on its feet during these unfamiliar and challenging times.
Virginia Beach, thank you for the opportunity to serve. I will continue to work hard as your Councilman. Stay encouraged.
Rouse was hoping to unseat Mayor Bobby Dyer, who is running for reelection.
