The two Democrats running for lieutenant governor announced today that they have filed petitions to get on the ballot for the party’s June 11 primary.

Aneesh Chopra, the former chief technology officer in the Obama administration, and state Sen. Ralph Northam of Norfolk filed their petitions today, the first day candidates could file petitions to get on the June primary ballot . Both candidates said they exceeded the minimum requirement of 10,000 signatures from registered voters, with at least 400 from each congressional district.

Chopra submitted at least 20,630 signatures, according to his campaign. Northam filed 14,702.

“This is a credit to the grassroots network that drives this campaign,” Chopra said in a news release. “This is just one step along the road to victory, but I am incredibly proud of our efforts across the Commonwealth. Today wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated and hardworking supporters and volunteers.”

“I decided to run for Lieutenant Governor because I firmly believe that our state government can be smarter, faster, better, and fairer for all Virginians,” Chopra added. “This is a message that is resonating across the Commonwealth, and I look forward to engaging with more Virginians on it in the coming months.”

In a statement issued by his campaign, Northam said the number of signatures he collected mean “voters want a new direction in Richmond.”

“They want a fighter who will stand up for women’s health and against an Attorney General who refuses to acknowledge fact-based medicine,” Northam said in a news release.  “People are tired of new voter suppression laws intended to discriminate against those who need a voice in government the most.  They want a champion for children who understands that a great education and healthy upbringing will produce the future leaders of our Commonwealth and the backbone of our economy. That is why I am running for Lieutenant Governor.”

Seven Republican candidates are seeking the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor, which will be decided at a May convention in Richmond. The incumbent lieutenant governor, Republican Bill Bolling, will announce later this week whether he will mount an independent campaign for governor.

– Michael Sluss