State Sen. Ralph Northam, a Norfolk Democrat, may be moving toward a run for lieutenant governor, according to this report by The Virginian-Pilot’s Julian Walker.

Northam told the Pilot in early June that he would not be a statewide candidate next year. He since has reconsidered and soon may decide to run for the second spot on the Democratic ticket. Northam said he won’t make any announcement until after this fall’s election.

Aneesh Chopra, who served in Gov. Tim Kaine’s cabinet and went on to become the federal government’s chief technology officer, is the only Democrat to formally announce for lieutenant governor. But others are considering  jumping into the race, including Roanoke Mayor David Bowers. Democrats will choose their statewide ticket in an open primary next year.

Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe is expected to be a candidate for governor, but won’t make an announcement until after the Nov. 6 election. Three Democrats have made plans to run for attorney general.

Republicans will hold a convention to nominate their statewide candidates next year and will have competition for all three spots on the ticket.

– Michael Sluss