The Working Families Party is criticizing Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Levar Stoney for the donations he has received for his campaign with a digital ad. However, donors that WFP cited in its criticism of Stoney also give substantial amounts to a long list of Democrats.
“These donors have funded Republicans who advance Trump’s agenda, like Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares, and even a Republican candidate for the same position,” WFP said in a news release.
One of the donors referenced by WFP is Thomas McInerney. According to VPAP, McInerney has given $22,500 to Republicans in 2025. However, he has given $138,500 to Democrats, a list that includes gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, both Democratic candidates for attorney general, and Stoney’s opponent for the lieutenant governor nomination, state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi.
Historically, McInerney has donated more than $1 million to Democratic candidates, compared to $425,000 to Republican candidates.
WFP also cited Pace-O-Matic, the group pushing for the legalization of skill games in Virginia, which has given Stoney $25,000 this year. The company has also given $10,000 to Stoney’s opponent, state Sen. Aaron Rouse, and to Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones.
In 2025, Pace-O-Matic has given $142,500 to Democratic candidates and $15,000 to Republican candidates.
Another donor cited by WFP is Basim Mansour, who has donated more than $174,000 to Democrats and $122,000 to Republican candidates. He also donated to Pat Herrity, who was seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor before dropping out for health reasons.
This is not the first attack Stoney has faced this cycle from an outside entity. In May, a conservative organization purchased a billboard in Richmond blaming him for the city’s January water crisis.
“Let’s be real — when the far right and far left are both attacking you, you’re probably doing something right,” Stoney said in a statement to Virginia Scope. “I don’t play politics to please the extremes. I will continue to run my positive campaign to ensure every Virginian gets a fair shot, no matter who they are or where they live.”
WFP told Virginia Scope that they are not endorsing a candidate in the lieutenant governor race.
When asked if they plan to attack other Democrats in these races who accepted money from these donors, like Spanberger, WFP said they are only focused on the lieutenant governor primary.
View the ad below: